Victim helps turn the table on con artists
By Connie ThompsonSEATTLE -- Geoffrey Groff-Smith was sickened to learn thieves were draining his family's accounts by tricking his wife. As you learn his story, keep in mind the same thing is likely happening right now to a friend, a neighbor, or even a member of your family. MultimediaOver a period of years, scammers repeatedly convinced Groff-Smith's wife, Ann, that she'd won money in lotteries and sweepstakes. In many cases they called on the phone, engaging Ann in lengthy, friendly conversations- assuring her her prize money and cars were on the way as soon as she sent the required fee for taxes or government approval. She also got letters in the mail claiming she'd won huge sums of money in lotteries and sweepstakes. Groff-Smith says his wife wired thousands of dollars, convinced she'd really won. But for a long time, he and her children didn't know. "Well, I saw her with the Western Union receipts on her desk,'" said Groff-Smith. The scammers always called while Groff-Smith was at work. "And then she would actually go and send the money, and of course, nothing ever happened," he said. Over time, he estimates the money she sent to the scammers amounted to more than $20,000. Scammers prey on victims of memory loss What makes this story so tragic is Groff-Smith's wife doesn't see it that way at all. "Oh, I don't think I ever sent them any money, did I?" said Ann Groff-Smith. Like many older consumers, Ann Groff-Smith has trouble with her memory, which makes her an ideal scam target. Once he discovered what was happening, Geoffrey Groff-Smith says he took early retirement so he could monitor the calls, and make sure scammers didn't trick his wife again. The outflow of money has stopped, but sweepstakes and lottery letters still come in at up to 20 a week. "It's getting less." said Ann Groff-Smith. "It used to be dozens, and now, what? I got three today, I think." Geoffrey Groff-Smith is so passionate about warning other consumers, he now volunteers twice a week at the AARP Fraud Fighter Call Center. Instead of taking calls about scams, volunteers make calls to local consumers, alerting them about the latest rip-offs hitting the area, and warning others how easily it can happen to them. Current scams to watch for: Government Stimulus Grants: They ask for payment up front for applications when in reality, there is never a fee to apply for a government grant, and most grants are very detailed and specific.They are not given to just anyone who asks. Mortgage Loan Modification: E-mail, snail mail, media ads and door-to-door promoters claim they can help you get a loan modification. In reality, only approved housing counselors lenders and and experienced lawyers have the credentials to help you with a loan modification application and even then, the lenders may say no. Never pay anyone up front for loan mod help. Call your lender, or call approved housing counselors such as Solid Ground Census Scams: Right now the Census Bureau is involved in a national census campaign. Unfortunately, scammers time their schemes to confuse consumers and trick them out of information. Census workers will never ask for your social security number or your credit card or bank account information. Lower Card Rates: These scammers uses robocalls to offer what sounds like a great way to lower your credit card interest rates. Do not return the call. Do not respond. Just hang up. Most Popular |
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February 9, 2012
- Coos Bay / North Bend, Oregon
