A retired California couple lost nearly all life savings after receiving a February 2025 call from someone impersonating a U.S. Postal Service worker. The caller accused them of shipping illegal guns and claimed the FBI was investigating. The couple was transferred to a video conference with a person posing as an FBI agent, who said they could expedite the case by sending money. Over several months, they sent tens of thousands of dollars through cryptocurrency and took out an equity loan on their long-time home. The scammers used spoofed phone numbers and fake FBI documents while repeatedly reassuring them that repayment was coming. After contacting the FBI, the couple learned no such agents existed and reported the fraud to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. They now face anxiety and depression, and supporters created a GoFundMe.
"After facing financial issues due to the excessive payments, the couple called the FBI and realized that they were being scammed. They were informed that there were no such agents with those names. The Hatas reported the scammers to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Experts warn that law enforcement will never call and ask for personal information. It's important to verify a caller's authenticity by contacting your local police station before taking any action."
#phone-scam #impersonation-fraud #cryptocurrency-payments #fbiusps-impersonation #elder-financial-abuse
Read at abc7chicago.com
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