Scam Alert: 79 Year-Old Man Swindled Out Of $41,000

ANGIER – A Johnston County man has fallen victim to an online scam. He lost $41,000 and authorities say it is unlikely the money can be recovered.

The 79 year-old retiree reported that he was on his computer recently when a popup appeared on his screen. It appeared to be from Microsoft and included a warning message urging him to call a telephone number immediately.

Not realizing it was a scam, the victim called and was tricked into thinking hackers had gained access to his home computer and were visiting websites in Russia, China, and also viewing pornography.

The fraudsters told the victim they were concerned his bank account could be compromised and offered to forward him to a specialist at his bank. It wasn’t his financial institution, instead it was another scammer pretending to be with his bank. They convinced him to provide his bank account number and other personal information so they could transfer money from his personal bank account to Bitcoin. In fact, the money was transferred to the scammers account, which is likely overseas.

Only after this had transpired, the victim became suspicious. He later learned $41,000 had been withdrawn from his account. His wife called authorities to report the crime.

Remember, your financial institution will never ask you for your PIN number. If you receive one of these popup messages, don’t call, and never give them any information. Don’t automatically assume it is your bank.

Report the scam to your local law enforcement agency and the Federal Trade Commission.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Please speak to your elderly parents/grandparents and make them aware of these scams before it is too late.

    Unfortunately most of these victims grew up in a time when most people could be trusted when they said they wanted to help you. Things are much different now.

    As an aside, I think there must be a special place in the netherworld for people who steal from innocent and unsuspecting people, especially from some of the most vulnerable among us.

  2. When you get one of these notices, TURN you computer OFF IMMEDIATELY. THIS WILL ERASE THE SCAM ALERT.

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