Scam! The Full Story
For Those Who Think They Are Invulnerable56 total reviews
Comment from Contests
A seven star rating from the Contest Committee for the recognition this post has received from the FanStory community. While this was not a Contest Committee decision, the committee recognizes this achievement with a seven star review. |
Comment Written 06-Nov-2023
Comment from bob cullen
Don't expect any pity from this reader. And don't be so harsh on yourself. As a repeated victim of criminal behavior myself, I spent forty-two years working in the TAB, the Australian gambling retail industry where I was subjected on five occasions to armed hold-up. I understand the fear of
looking at the wrong end of a gun.
This is a good write. You've certainly not lost your touch. Great to hear from you. I'm slowly getting back into Fanstory and I look forward to reading more of your work,
Bob.
Just one additional note: I've not seen any writings from you in some time. Hope all is well over there. 20/9/24
Bob
Don't expect any pity from this reader. And don't be so harsh on yourself. As a repeated victim of criminal behavior myself, I spent forty-two years working in the TAB, the Australian gambling retail industry where I was subjected on five occasions to armed hold-up. I understand the fear of
looking at the wrong end of a gun.
This is a good write. You've certainly not lost your touch. Great to hear from you. I'm slowly getting back into Fanstory and I look forward to reading more of your work,
Bob.
Just one additional note: I've not seen any writings from you in some time. Hope all is well over there. 20/9/24
Bob
Comment Written 27-Oct-2023
Comment from Douglas Goff
So sorry this happened to you, Jay. 100% not your fault. They are very good. So good, in fact, when I used to go after these guys they were living in mansions and driving Lamborghini's. At least the high-end ones were
My mom, who is 74, was talking to Kenny Rogers and was sending him money for his orphanage. . . last year. (Rogers has been dead since 2020.)
Always bounce things off family and you should be alright. Prayers for you and your dear wife, my friend.
Douglas
So sorry this happened to you, Jay. 100% not your fault. They are very good. So good, in fact, when I used to go after these guys they were living in mansions and driving Lamborghini's. At least the high-end ones were
My mom, who is 74, was talking to Kenny Rogers and was sending him money for his orphanage. . . last year. (Rogers has been dead since 2020.)
Always bounce things off family and you should be alright. Prayers for you and your dear wife, my friend.
Douglas
Comment Written 26-Oct-2023
Comment from Katherine M. (k-11)
This sent chills down my spine. It was so plausibly written, and what a horrible series of events. Hackers really are the lowest of the low, and I think many of us can fear for you and with you. Stay strong, and one day riches will come your way from an unexpected source. kay
reply by the author on 19-Oct-2023
This sent chills down my spine. It was so plausibly written, and what a horrible series of events. Hackers really are the lowest of the low, and I think many of us can fear for you and with you. Stay strong, and one day riches will come your way from an unexpected source. kay
Comment Written 19-Oct-2023
reply by the author on 19-Oct-2023
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Of course, the hackers came from an unexpected source, LOL. But I know what you mean. I'm still in a dark place, verging on paranoia when I use the computer. I am officially no longer on FanStory. (I'm surprised they are even allowing me to answer my reviews). Before I leave a review for somebody else, I am asked by FS if I am a robot and have to add together two numbers they give. That smacks of "scam" as well. I keep expecting to not get any more reviews, but lo and behold yours showed up today. I suspect this will be my last.
Thank you, Kay-Kay for your continued support of my writing and your always kind wishes. We have each other's email addies. So we can keep in touch.
Buh-bye!
Jay
Comment from lauralumummu
Wow! Thank you for this and for being so transparent. Your story will help many. Not to mention that it is very well written as well. I think any of us at any time could be hooked by a scam if they use the right bait. The more we know the better. We should make a list like if anyone wants you to buy gift cards or isolates you etc. I hope you are doing better and I pray you will be safe and prosper, Laura
reply by the author on 19-Oct-2023
Wow! Thank you for this and for being so transparent. Your story will help many. Not to mention that it is very well written as well. I think any of us at any time could be hooked by a scam if they use the right bait. The more we know the better. We should make a list like if anyone wants you to buy gift cards or isolates you etc. I hope you are doing better and I pray you will be safe and prosper, Laura
Comment Written 18-Oct-2023
reply by the author on 19-Oct-2023
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A list, you're right! With all the do's and don'ts. I've even thought of putting it on the wall. Only it would have to be written in huge letters for me to read it across the room from my computer. Thank you so much, Lauralu, for reading and for your support!
Jay
Comment from Thesis
Technology can be a great tool, but there are always dirtbags out there trying to steal from someone. They had an elaborate scheme going and gave you just enough information to think they were legitimate. Although it's a hard blow to lose the money, you weren't harmed physically and were lucky to have a family searching for you. Life's full of lessons and we never stop learning.
reply by the author on 18-Oct-2023
Technology can be a great tool, but there are always dirtbags out there trying to steal from someone. They had an elaborate scheme going and gave you just enough information to think they were legitimate. Although it's a hard blow to lose the money, you weren't harmed physically and were lucky to have a family searching for you. Life's full of lessons and we never stop learning.
Comment Written 18-Oct-2023
reply by the author on 18-Oct-2023
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Thank you, my friend, for reading this and for your kind and supportive words. Much appreciated.
Jay
Comment from shelley kaye
O!M!G! i couldn't stop reading! this was horrible! i am scared of links in emails, but now i'm even more scared!
i'm so sorry this happened to you. it is not your fault!! dang they were good!
all that said, this was a great story you got from it and very well written!
thank you for sharing!!
shelley :)
reply by the author on 18-Oct-2023
O!M!G! i couldn't stop reading! this was horrible! i am scared of links in emails, but now i'm even more scared!
i'm so sorry this happened to you. it is not your fault!! dang they were good!
all that said, this was a great story you got from it and very well written!
thank you for sharing!!
shelley :)
Comment Written 18-Oct-2023
reply by the author on 18-Oct-2023
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Shelly, thank you. Yes we should stay vigilant! But we should never lose sight that much of humanity is kind. I don't think we'll ever get it said more clearly than Jesus. We need to be ?Wise as Serpents and Innocent as Doves?.
Love ya, Shelley,
Jay
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one of my fave quotes is from anne frank: "in spite of everything, i still believe people are good at heart"
keeps the hope alive lol
Comment from JSD
And there it is. What can we take from this horror. 1. That some human beings are just horrible and evil. 2. That those around us who love us, love us unconditionally and forgive without a thought. 3. That our prayers for your trials and trauma will bring you to a happier place.
With all best thoughts and prayers.
John
reply by the author on 18-Oct-2023
And there it is. What can we take from this horror. 1. That some human beings are just horrible and evil. 2. That those around us who love us, love us unconditionally and forgive without a thought. 3. That our prayers for your trials and trauma will bring you to a happier place.
With all best thoughts and prayers.
John
Comment Written 18-Oct-2023
reply by the author on 18-Oct-2023
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John, bless you! I need that.
Jay
Comment from royowen
I will certainly pray for you, like you, I wanted to publish, for my kids and grands, just to leave a legacy, the only thing I really have, apart from the love of God, and the way my family and friends love us, which are the only, the greatest of all riches that can be bestowed on us.I'm so sorry, that feeling of worthlessness is what the powers of darkness wants, these people are controlled by darkness, they need prayer. Well done Jay, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 18-Oct-2023
I will certainly pray for you, like you, I wanted to publish, for my kids and grands, just to leave a legacy, the only thing I really have, apart from the love of God, and the way my family and friends love us, which are the only, the greatest of all riches that can be bestowed on us.I'm so sorry, that feeling of worthlessness is what the powers of darkness wants, these people are controlled by darkness, they need prayer. Well done Jay, blessings Roy
Comment Written 17-Oct-2023
reply by the author on 18-Oct-2023
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Thank you, Roy. They need prayer, too. That's the hardest part, isn't it?
Jay
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So sorry Jay,
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Yep, it sure is
Comment from Michele Harber
I'm so sorry, Jay, but also very grateful that you had the courage to share your story. I read about these things all the time, and the credit card scam seems to be the most popular, particularly with the elderly. You did something I've never seen anyone else do: give the blow-by-blow description of how the scam was performed. They are obviously expert at what they do, and very experienced. It's what made them so convincing. However, by describing the plot step-by-step, you've given any further potential victim several places at which to catch the perpetrator in the act. Your courage will save anyone reading this from ever falling victim to a similar scam, and for that we all owe you. Again, I'm so sorry for what you went through, and that it put you in financial straits, but I'm so impressed that you turned it into a teaching moment for the rest of us. I wish you luck in getting through this, and will definitely say a prayer for you.
reply by the author on 18-Oct-2023
I'm so sorry, Jay, but also very grateful that you had the courage to share your story. I read about these things all the time, and the credit card scam seems to be the most popular, particularly with the elderly. You did something I've never seen anyone else do: give the blow-by-blow description of how the scam was performed. They are obviously expert at what they do, and very experienced. It's what made them so convincing. However, by describing the plot step-by-step, you've given any further potential victim several places at which to catch the perpetrator in the act. Your courage will save anyone reading this from ever falling victim to a similar scam, and for that we all owe you. Again, I'm so sorry for what you went through, and that it put you in financial straits, but I'm so impressed that you turned it into a teaching moment for the rest of us. I wish you luck in getting through this, and will definitely say a prayer for you.
Comment Written 17-Oct-2023
reply by the author on 18-Oct-2023
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Thank you, Michele. Writing it all out like that was also therapeutic. The healing will go on for a while. Thank you for your understanding, kindness and prayers.
Jay
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I fully understand how this can be therapeutic. The thing to remember, hard though it may be, is that this wasn't your fault. It was the fault of cold-hearted criminals who very specifically chose target points to hit, like the calm, soothing words, the brotherly quality, and the feeling of protection. Add that it was backed up by technical knowledge to make it seem legit. You're not a fool. They're simply experts at what they do, and that's how they're able to catch so many innocent victims. I know this won't recover your money, but I hope it will help you recover your pride. I did, by the way, say a prayer for you.