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.

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.

Key Takeaways

• A 91-year-old Perth widow named Grace was scammed into attempting to purchase $2,000 worth of gift cards after a scammer impersonating a bank employee convinced her she was assisting in catching other scammers.
• Grace was instructed not to communicate with anyone and was taken via taxi, arranged by the scammer, to a local supermarket to buy the gift cards, only to be informed by the cashier that it was a scam.
• The Commonwealth Bank, mentioned in the scam, stated it would never ask customers to buy gift cards and has introduced a CallerCheck feature for customers to verify legitimate calls from the bank.
• The WA Consumer Protection Commissioner branded the scammers 'absolute mongrels' and reminded the public that only scammers would ask for help in catching other scammers, advising them to hang up on such calls.

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.

 

[VicCiCi]

I had a phone call this week they said it was the commonwealth bank and did l purchase apple gift cards. I said that’s impossible as l only have$28.00 in my account. She said she would cancel my order. It was a scam as l don’t bank at the commonwealth bank but never told her. What was true l only had $28.00 in my account. My money in kept in a different account.

 

[Luckyus]

If I had my way with these arseholes, they would never again be in a position pray on anybody I wouldn't give them the opportunity to pray for themselves poxy bastards.

 

[Barbara V]

If I get something like that I ask questions only my bank would know .,, they soon hang up !!

 

[Kevin. A.]

Low life scammers are very persuasive and pushy often resorting to forceful, coercive tactics to get the victim to comply before they realize they are being scammed. When a scammer contacts a potential victim they first, try to establish trust and a sense of urgency to encourage the victim to make hasty decisions. Before the victim realizes it is a scam, often their accounts have been emptied. These people would rob their own grandmother if they thought they could get away with it.

 

[Kevin. A.]

If I get something like that I ask questions only my bank would know .,, they soon hang up !!

One of the problems is these scammers try to prey on people who are vulnerable, elderly, something stressful going on in their lives, in a hurry or not thinking straight (medication). These people try to persuade the victim to make urgent, hurried decision before they realize they are being scammed.

 

[Kevin. A.]

I had a phone call this week they said it was the commonwealth bank and did l purchase apple gift cards. I said that’s impossible as l only have$28.00 in my account. She said she would cancel my order. It was a scam as l don’t bank at the commonwealth bank but never told her. What was true l only had $28.00 in my account. My money in kept in a different account.

I have had repeated automated phone call from supposed bank credit card security. They often claim I have had a transaction on eBay for "X" number of dollars, I get the usual, "if you did not authorize this transaction press one or two to speak with a consultant". I hang up before the thing has finished. I laugh because these calls tell me they are from a bank I am not even with.

 

[Babbie]

Low life scammers are very persuasive and pushy often resorting to forceful, coercive tactics to get the victim to comply before they realize they are being scammed. When a scammer contacts a potential victim they first, try to establish trust and a sense of urgency to encourage the victim to make hasty decisions. Before the victim realizes it is a scam, often their accounts have been emptied. These people would rob their own grandmother if they thought they could get away with it.

No one can force you to do anything, we all have choice. I never answer numbers I don't recognise. If the call is important, a message will be left.

 

[Macs-241]

Low life scammers are very persuasive and pushy often resorting to forceful, coercive tactics to get the victim to comply before they realize they are being scammed. When a scammer contacts a potential victim they first, try to establish trust and a sense of urgency to encourage the victim to make hasty decisions. Before the victim realizes it is a scam, often their accounts have been emptied. These people would rob their own grandmother if they thought they could get away with it.

These people would defiantly rob their own grandmother or family if they thought they could get away with it.

 

[bjakes]

There seems to be a greater influx of these low-life bottom feeders, I don't answer any calls I don't know the number, I block the numbers, after a while they seem to stop, and then they start another round of scams, technology can be great but unfortunately it seems to be too damn easy and becoming easier for these scumbag father rapers to use this "fantastic" technology against individuals

 

[Nana Zorak]

There seems to be a greater influx of these low-life bottom feeders, I don't answer any calls I don't know the number, I block the numbers, after a while they seem to stop, and then they start another round of scams, technology can be great but unfortunately it seems to be too damn easy and becoming easier for these scumbag father rapers to use this "fantastic" technology against individuals

I am too old for modern tec as my carer says I missed out on the thc know how & I really don't care for it anyway . I even have problems using my phone

 

[Kevin. A.]

No one can force you to do anything, we all have choice. I never answer numbers I don't recognise. If the call is important, a message will be left.

I agree I do the same, if a call is important and from a reputable company then they will leave a message. However, scammers prey on vulnerable people. Those in a hurry with a lot their mind, someone expecting contact from their trusted company. Most people do not wish to be rude when they answer the phone, so they can be lured into feeling that the person talking to them is honest and trustworthy. People on some medication, do not always think straight or clearly and heartless scammers are looking for these venerable victims.

 

[Babbie]

I agree I do the same, if a call is important and from a reputable company then they will leave a message. However, scammers prey on vulnerable people. Those in a hurry with a lot their mind, someone expecting contact from their trusted company. Most people do not wish to be rude when they answer the phone, so they can be lured into feeling that the person talking to them is honest and trustworthy. People on some medication, do not always think straight or clearly and heartless scammers are looking for these venerable victims.

I have no problem being rude to scammers, once you ask them a few questions they come undone very quickly. Not much you can do about scammers. They have always been around but modern technology has made it very easy for them.

 

[SteveSzats]

If I had my way with these arseholes, they would never again be in a position pray on anybody I wouldn't give them the opportunity to pray for themselves poxy bastards.

If only they did "pray" on us. In fact they "prey on us,

 

[Veggiepatch]

I have no problem being rude to scammers, once you ask them a few questions they come undone very quickly. Not much you can do about scammers. They have always been around but modern technology has made it very easy for them.

A couple of years ago, I had some foreign jerk pretending to be from Amazon, talking about an unpaid account. I told him that I was Senior Sergeant <insert fake name> from the Australian Federal Police and he had reached a secure number and the call was being actively traced.

Well, for the next minute or so was non stop apologies from him. I ended the call with a heartfelt "F**K OFF!"

 

[Veggiepatch]

A couple of years ago, I had some foreign jerk pretending to be from Amazon, talking about an unpaid account. I told him that I was Senior Sergeant <insert fake name> from the Australian Federal Police and he had reached a secure number and the call was being actively traced.

Well, for the next minute or so was non stop apologies from him. I ended the call with a heartfelt "F**K OFF!"

I forgot to add that I have NEVER had any dealings with Amazon except subcontracting for them in their south east Melbourne warehouse setup.

 

[Kevin. A.]

I have no problem being rude to scammers, once you ask them a few questions they come undone very quickly. Not much you can do about scammers. They have always been around but modern technology has made it very easy for them.

I agree 1000% my view of scammers are they are heartless scum on a good day. I think if the countries these scammers are based were to get a little tougher on scammers, then we may not see as many as we do. Some countries (no names mentioned) have the attitude that as long as their citizens are being targeted then the scammers can do what they want, while others have decided that as long as the authorities are happy being paid off, then nothing is done to prosecute known scammers. Some countries allow buildings with several dozen people manning scam call centers. The sickening thing is they operate with impunity. If these countries (the political leadership) were taking a harder line on these scammers, then the world would be a better place. Scammers unfortunately see western countries as rich nations and easy legitimate targets.

 

[Suzanne rose]

I have had repeated automated phone call from supposed bank credit card security. They often claim I have had a transaction on eBay for "X" number of dollars, I get the usual, "if you did not authorize this transaction press one or two to speak with a consultant". I hang up before the thing has finished. I laugh because these calls tell me they are from a bank I am not even with.

I also get these same calls with lots of different scenarios including Amazon order, ebay or bank . I just hang up but how many will click on the number

 

[Jill57]

No one can force you to do anything, we all have choice. I never answer numbers I don't recognise. If the call is important, a message will be left.

Same with me never answer calls I don’t know and they never leave a message

 

[Glenys R]

If in doubt over a call, at least DO NOT press any buttons or keys on phone or computer - then hang up and if still in doubt phone the place the call is SUPPOSED to have come from and see if it is from them or not!