81-year-old mom was scammed for $600 - did I do enough?
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Anonymous
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My mom fell victim to a scam last night. She saw a warning on her home screen that her computer was hacked (maybe something she downloaded, since her virus software is good), and she called the number listed in order to speak to a “technician” to fix everything. She ended up talking with the scammer for two hours, giving him remote access to her computer & and helping him get into her bank account. The guy set up a $600 withdrawal from my mom’s checking account, and he also got into her master password information. He has her phone numbers, address, social security number, etc.
She’s never tried to correct a computer issue on her own before, as I live only a few minutes away and come over whenever she has any questions; however, she knew I was out for a nice dinner with my DH, and she thought she’d help by taking care of things on her own. She lives independently and is of sound mind (does The NY Times Sunday crossword puzzle in pen), but she’s not savvy about computer issues. I’m sad and sick for her. Thankfully she texted me immediately after the two-hour session, and I raced over. Did I do enough? Here’s what I did: 1) Immediately unplugged the router to disrupt online connection 2) Called her bank & closed her checking and savings accounts - new account info will be mailed with checks 3) Deleted the pending bill pay of $600 for her checking account (HUGE relief) 4) Canceled debit and credit cards 5) Called all 3 major credit bureaus and put freezes on her credit 6) Changed username & passwords for probably 20 accounts, including email, banks, mortgage, insurance, etc. 7) Set up two-factor authentication where possible 8) Screenshotted the scammer’s info before deleting his payee info 9) Put her computer in the van to bring tomorrow to a place we trust so the spyware can be removed (there are “network security” icons on her screen) What else can I do? What haven’t I considered? While we blocked the phone numbers on her phone, they have her contact info and can call from a zillion other fake accounts. They now know she’s vulnerable. These scams are often scattershot, and I imagine when the $600 doesn’t go through, that will be the end of it. But there’s that part of me that’s concerned for her financial and physical safety. Please help if you can think of something else we/she should be doing. Thank you! |
Anonymous
| You did great. I can't think of another thing you should do. |
Anonymous
| Report to FBI Elder Fraud: https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/elder-fraud |
Anonymous
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To 06:40 - thanks for the kind words!
To 07:07 - will do, thanks! |
Anonymous
| I agree, you did great. Also report the identify theft to the FTC. You can report online and submit the photo of the thief. |
Anonymous
| Wow sounds like you were very thorough. I’m sorry this happened to you. People like that are total scum. |
Anonymous
| OP here. I will report to the FTC. No point in contacting the police with the company info, right? I looked it up & it was a company created in July 2020. I can’t imagine the NYC address is legit. |
Anonymous
| Is there a way to report to the irs? If they have her social they can potentially file a tqx return and get a refund instead of her. |
Anonymous
| I am cutting and pasting your list in case I ever need it. You are the greatest OP, your mom is in good hands. |
Anonymous
I would report it JIC. They are certainly doing this to others. At least to get it on record. |
Anonymous
| Yes file a police report just for the documentation. |
Anonymous
| Good job! Report the scam to your states attorney generals office also. |
Anonymous
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OP here. My brother is an accountant, and he helps my mom with her taxes. I changed the Intuit online access info & will ask my brother to contact the IRS. And I will file the police report & anywhere else I can find.
My heart is breaking for my mom, who feels unsafe and scared. My dad passed away last year, and she’s especially lonely since we can’t spend as much time with her as we’d like because of the pandemic. I hate this for her. |
Anonymous
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You did a great job. I'm so sorry for the loss of your Dad.
The good news is Mom knew it was somewhat sketchy and contacted you. |
Anonymous
| Yes, talk to your brother about fraudulent tax returns. |