A Scamee's Family in Crisis : A True Story About Scams

A true story about scams An elderly family member gets caught up in playing the scam games. It starts with an e-mail from a stranger from a foreign country saying that she has won a large amount of money and all she needs to do is to send in a fee to receive it. Over a period of years, these e-mails turn into frequent phone calls and suggestions that these people are watching her and may come to her home. The scamee begins to send money, and the process begins. The amount of money starts out small and ends up being a huge amount being sent to these unknown persons. The family notices that mail being sent to the home is from unknown addresses and frequently. The first thing the family does is to approach the family member herself and ask her to stop this behavior. When this does not work, they contact business bureaus, local authorities, and other organizations. They are glad to receive the information but can't help because the scams originated from foreign countries. The scamee shows characteristics of being much like an addict because of the highs and lows she exhibits. She sells her expensive personal possessions, even her car, in order to support her habits. She goes to neighbors, even the church, and begs for donations for her cause. At one point, two friends gave her $10,000 each. The extended family becomes extremely frustrated and has run out of options to help her. Even close friends try to no avail. It continued to the end until her passing, at which time she was unhappy and lost everything.