Sadly, anyone can fall victim to a scammer. It's why there are so many warnings about the different scams circulating, in hopes people will recognize the signs and stay away.
Knowing the signs has not been enough to keep one woman from repeatedly falling for the same scam. Lori and her husband, Mark, own a bowling alley that's very popular. They began worrying about finances when the health crisis shuttered their business, as so many others did.
That's when Lori began getting calls about COVID-19 grants available to business owners from a woman named "Ashley." But before Lori could be sent any money, she had to send thousands of dollars in gift cards. Mark recognized it immediately as a scam, but Lori did not, beginning what he believes is over $500,000 in losses between cash, lines of credit, and more.
Mark has been forced to take away Lori's phone, email addresses, and access to the business and personal financial accounts as he tries to rectify the situation. Still, he says his wife has gone to the lengths of seeking out payphones to call "Melvin," who she currently believes is going to bring $1 million to the family's home for her efforts.
Mark is uncomfortable with the restrictions he's had to put on Lori, but he doesn't understand how she can continue to believe these scammers. Lori, for her part, downplays the amount she's given away. She claims to have only given "Melvin" $1,500, while Mark says it's more like $50,000.
"There's been times where she understands and almost has a clarity saying 'I'm sorry that I've put us in this position,' but at the same time, it's been very seldom," Mark says.
"I have to protect us from losing any more money."
