
That’s what I was told on September 7. I should has said, come get me. But I was shocked and scared, which was just what he wanted, he said I could could get a lawyer or he could help me. It was a dramatic and devious plan he had for me, and I was distracted by everything else going on, the move, the sales and THE move. I was to tell no one or it could impact my case of money laundering and fraud.
Can you imagine? So how did all this come about? Let me tell you and warn you because I’ve found out that this is not unusual and happens to us older citizens very often and if caught up in their lies there is little hope of recovery.
It all started with an email notifying me of a charge on my Bank of America charge card of $900 . Did I make this charge and if not call this number. I had not so I made the call, first mistake, I should have called Bank of America to clarify.. the call was answered by a man possibly Indian sounding who asked if I knew this person who’d made the charge or knew a email address, I did not. He informed me that I’d either been a victim of ID theft or was complicit in money laundering and my social security number was used to open boa bank accounts in TX, CAL and NM.
Then a Mr Wilson from the”social security “ got on the phone to tell me my account was red flagged and I would shortly be arrested that the Truth or Consequences police department had an order to arrest me, but that he had put a hold on it during his investigation. I could get a lawyer and go to court or the ADR could help me resolve and investigate the case. I was told various times to not tell anyone as that could involve them or look like I was hiding information.
Of course I was in tears.
I was to account for every dollar I had, first by removing it from my bank account which I gave them all the information they needed, innocent that I was! I was to go to my bank and remove all my money, but my bank is not located close by nor is a branch atm, so I went to Walmart and was only able to remove $800, thank god! He stayed on the phone with me from home to Walmart and then sent me to a place where there was a BIT COIN MACHINE WHERE I RECEIVED A BAR CODE ON MY PHONE. AND I PUT MY MONEY IN IT.
I was told the money would be put in my new account with my new social security number. But I needed to withdrawal the rest of my money! I had also told him I planned to travel and was selling my car. He wanted those funds as well. I went home to think. I decided to use the rest of my money to pay some bills instead of withdrawing it. When I told him what I’d done I didn’t hear from him again until the next day when he called to see if I’d sold my car! I had not because I didn’t have the title. Then I told him I knew he was a con artist and that I’d reported him to the FBI and anywhere else I could. He assured me I was wrong, that it was all in my head and that I would be arrested, finally I said, bring it on,
And that’s my sad tale. Embarrassed to admit I was so taken, in but if someone reads this and questions the next too good to be true, or anything similar to my story and reports it to authorities it will be worth the embarrassment. There seems to be no recourse for me, I reported it to the local police without a response. My banking will be more complicated for a while, my credit cards will question each purchase I make., I will have to check my accounts frequently, a real change for neglectful me.
My daughter tells me I’m too trusting, I chose to believe that no one chooses to cause me harm, my eyes have been opened. There are some real assholes out there, watch out!
Bless you Kate. One of life’s sad lessons. Live & learn. Which you did. I almost got caught on an Amazon. Caught it in time & reported it to Amazon. They checked it out & said yup, it was a scam.
At any rate you are heading into a new life. I wish you well. Know that you are loved & will be missed.
Take care. Charley too.🐕💕
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Oh, Kathy! There are so many scammers out there. It it important to know that US Marshals, as well as Social Security administration, and other federal agencies, do NOT make phone calls! So sorry for you. Wish you would have told them that you would call your lawyer, (Oliver)! These con artists prey on people over 65. Hope you are able to recoup any money that you lost.
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I am so sorry that this has happened to you. . Please let me know if i can do anything What a terrible mess! These idiots can ruin so many lives Love you.
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