The ordeal began early Friday when a pop-up message appeared on the couple’s computer claiming it had been compromised. Moments later, scammers posing as Microsoft representatives contacted the couple and convinced them that criminals had used their computer to commit serious crimes. The callers falsely claimed federal authorities would arrest them unless they immediately followed their instructions.
For hours, the scammers manipulated and intimidated the couple, keeping them on the phone the entire time and ordering them not to hang up or speak with anyone else. Under immense pressure, the elderly couple drove to their bank and insisted on wiring $51,000 to an account controlled by the scammers.
Even after they returned home, the scammers continued trying to gain access to additional bank accounts and personal information through the compromised computer in an attempt to steal even more money.
Shortly before 5:00 p.m., the wife began to realize something didn’t seem right and contacted Chaverim Of Rockland.
Recognizing the urgency, Chaverim immediately dispatched one volunteer to the couple’s home while another rushed directly to the bank. In a race against the clock, the volunteer worked with bank employees to stop the wire transfer while it was still being processed, successfully saving the couple’s entire $51,000. At the same time, the volunteer at the home helped disconnect the scammers, secure the computer, and begin protecting the couple’s financial accounts from further compromise.
The Ramapo Police Department responded to the residence and took a report.
This incident is a stark reminder that Microsoft, Apple, the FTC, banks, and law enforcement agencies will never demand that you wire money, purchase gift cards, or threaten you with arrest over the phone or through a computer pop-up. If you receive a suspicious call or message, hang up immediately and contact a trusted family member, your bank, local police, or Chaverim/Shormim before taking any action.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
5 Responses
This was my experience with these thieves –
A man with a thick Indian sub-continent accent called me at home, identified himself as an IRS agent, and told me that I owed IRS $10,629. I realized immediately that this contact was a fraud. I owed nothing to the IRS and the IRS initiates contact only through the mail not on the phone. I expressed great (mock) fear and started a conversation with him.
Sir, you owe $10,629 to the IRS. You must pay this sum now or we will come and arrest you.
Oh no! That is horrible! Will you come to arrest me tonight?
Yes.
In jail, will you give me a cot to sleep on?
Yes.
Will you feed me?
Yes.
Will you give me Coca Cola? I really like Coca Cola.
Yes.
That’s good. Well, my wife is making pot roast tonight and I really hate her pot roast. How soon can you get here?
Click. (He hung up.)
I laughed.
Although a Jew is obligated to tell the truth, he is not obligated to speak truthfully to those poised to harm him.
Just speak with the callers in Yiddish and they’ll feel the shame.
This is not a sophisticated scam. It is the exact same call we all get every week. Everyone in the community should be developing a healthy sense of scepticism for any and everyone who demands money. Keep in mind that this is America not Nigeria. No one will come and arrest you if you don’t pay extortion money.
If children believe their parents have lost the ability to make sound decisions it would be prudent to set up safeguards to prevent similar stories from happening
@Frum,
You AND your wife are both invited for supper tonight.
My wife makes a great pot roast.