Elder widow finds herself caught in trouble involving payment scam
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While technology has brought us closer together, it has also opened the door to a darker side.
Scammers prey on the vulnerable, often targeting less tech-savvy, such as our senior citizens.
Grace's story of a 91-year-old Perth resident is a stark reminder of the cunning tactics employed by these fraudsters and the importance of staying vigilant.
Grace's ordeal began with a phone call from someone who seemed to know an unsettling amount about her personal life.
The caller, who claimed to be from her bank, knew her full name and address and that she was a widow.
With such detailed information, it's no wonder Grace was convinced of the caller's legitimacy.
The scammer requested Grace purchase $2,000 of Apple gift cards from a local supermarket.
When she explained that her car was unavailable, the scammer promptly sent a taxi to the store.
It was a well-orchestrated ruse that played on her trust and willingness to help what she believed was her bank's effort to catch other scammers.
Grace only realised the scam at the checkout counter when a store employee recognised the signs of a scam and intervened.
The shock and embarrassment that followed were overwhelming for Grace, who felt foolish and gullible for falling into the trap.
But the truth is, these scammers are professionals at manipulation, often leaving even the most cautious individuals feeling vulnerable.
After the ordeal, Grace was stranded at the shopping centre; her phone battery was dead, and the taxi was gone.
Only through the kindness of neighbours could she return home to her anxious family.
The aftermath involved securing her bank accounts and dealing with the emotional toll of the experience.
Upon being notified, the Commonwealth Bank was supportive and took measures to ensure Grace's financial security.
They also highlighted the sophistication of modern scams and the importance of their customers remaining vigilant.
The bank's CallerCheck feature is one such tool that can help verify the legitimacy of a caller claiming to be from the bank.
Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake didn't mince words when describing the scammers, calling them 'absolute mongrels' for taking advantage of an elderly woman.
She warned that if someone calls out of the blue asking for help to catch a scammer, it's likely a scam itself.
Have you or someone you know been targeted by similar schemes? If so, how did you handle it? Let us know in the comments below.
Scammers prey on the vulnerable, often targeting less tech-savvy, such as our senior citizens.
Grace's story of a 91-year-old Perth resident is a stark reminder of the cunning tactics employed by these fraudsters and the importance of staying vigilant.
Grace's ordeal began with a phone call from someone who seemed to know an unsettling amount about her personal life.
The caller, who claimed to be from her bank, knew her full name and address and that she was a widow.
Grace, a 91-year-old Perth widow, was scammed into trying to buy $2,000 in gift cards by a scammer impersonating a bank employee. Credit: Shutterstock
With such detailed information, it's no wonder Grace was convinced of the caller's legitimacy.
The scammer requested Grace purchase $2,000 of Apple gift cards from a local supermarket.
When she explained that her car was unavailable, the scammer promptly sent a taxi to the store.
It was a well-orchestrated ruse that played on her trust and willingness to help what she believed was her bank's effort to catch other scammers.
Grace only realised the scam at the checkout counter when a store employee recognised the signs of a scam and intervened.
The shock and embarrassment that followed were overwhelming for Grace, who felt foolish and gullible for falling into the trap.
But the truth is, these scammers are professionals at manipulation, often leaving even the most cautious individuals feeling vulnerable.
After the ordeal, Grace was stranded at the shopping centre; her phone battery was dead, and the taxi was gone.
Only through the kindness of neighbours could she return home to her anxious family.
The aftermath involved securing her bank accounts and dealing with the emotional toll of the experience.
Upon being notified, the Commonwealth Bank was supportive and took measures to ensure Grace's financial security.
They also highlighted the sophistication of modern scams and the importance of their customers remaining vigilant.
The bank's CallerCheck feature is one such tool that can help verify the legitimacy of a caller claiming to be from the bank.
Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake didn't mince words when describing the scammers, calling them 'absolute mongrels' for taking advantage of an elderly woman.
She warned that if someone calls out of the blue asking for help to catch a scammer, it's likely a scam itself.
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