I am very distraught this morning. I have spent a couple of hours trying to convince a Facebook friend that she has been duped into a pyramid scheme that will only bilk her of all her money. This came about by her trying to get me to get involved. I smelled a rat at the beginning, did some research, and found out that it's a scam.
But this sweet woman will not believe me. She says she has not given this man any money. She said he came right out to her house with the UPS man that was delivering her money from the US Government (escorted by the police), and that if I will just email him I will get my money too.
After about an hour of conversation, she admitted she had only sent a check for $1,000 (for delivery fee) to an address he gave her. I don't know how much money she thinks she got from him, she hasn't said. Probably a faked cashier's check. I begged her to cut communication with this man and report him to the police, but she insists that it's all on the up and up. She has, however, for now stopped bugging me to get involved.
She says it's some kind of program whereby the U.S. government is giving money to deaf people. My friend is deaf; I am not. I pointed out to her that I'm not deaf right in the beginning of our communications. She said that doesn't matter because she saw my name and Facebook address on a paper that this man who delivered her money had.
I guess there's nothing I can do to save my friend since she won't listen. I've sent her bunches of website addresses telling about these schemes. I can only hope she reads and believes some of them.
Meanwhile, it someone promises you some free money, please get cash. And don't sign anything.
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Some of you have asked what this flower is. My mama always called it Althea, but I think the most common name must be Rose of Sharon. That's what I mainly hear. It's an old fashioned flower that grows a big and tall and is filled each summer with beautiful blossoms. One of my favorites.
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On 07/18/2011, Linda said ...
That's just too bad. Some just have to learn the hard way. I hope this doesn't cost her more money. A similar situation happened with my husband's great-uncle. Ended up costing him a lot more after the $1000 because they really just wanted his account numbers. You were a great friend to try and help her.
On 07/18/2011, Patti J said ...
Yep, it's a scam. You don't send money to get money.
On 07/18/2011, Judi said ...
You've done your best to help her. She may just have to learn the hard way unfortunately. I also love Rose of Sharon.
On 07/18/2011, Barbara Anne said ...
We have a lovely white Althea with double blooms that is flowering now. I love your pink Althea.
Sorry about your friend who won't listen to you or believe the on-line evidence it's a scam. She's not the first and she won't be the last to hope and put money on such scams. Sad.
Equally bad are some "financial planners" who work for companies that aren't governed by Security and Exchange Commission rules. They "earn" huge commissions on transactions, larger than is allowed for investment bankers. One low-life skunk actually sold my 80 year old mother an annuity that would mature when she was 110 years old. I reported him and there was nothing the company he worked for would do. Beware of these sharks, too.
Hugs!
On 07/18/2011, Debby Messner said ...
My mother in law was always falling for these things. Once you cash their check not only does it bounce but just like magic they get your account number. If it sounds too good to be true it is. My MIL also sends cash to Social Security. She says she does it for her kids since she thinks SS is in trouble.
No one ever send the money back or contacts her back. So sad. She is 83 but we are placing her in assisted living this week.
On 07/18/2011, Dawn Heese said ...
That is very sad. It is definitely a scam. My brother is a deputy and that kind of thing is common unfortunately. You can contact your local law enforcement or attorney general for your state.
On 07/18/2011, Nancy said ...
Oh my gosh, it is definitely a scam and I can see why your upset. I hope she sent them a bank check and not a personal check because a personal check in the hands of the wrong individual can lead to all kinds of issues. Be sure (if she will listen to you) that she keeps close tabs on her bank accounts for any unauthorized transactions.
My mother in law was always falling into these traps when she got older but we were fortunate that we always caught her before she sent out any money.
Keeping your friend in my prayers that everything works out in her favor. Bless her heart, and yours, for trying to help her. Hugs....
On 07/18/2011, Ann Marie said ...
I work at the post office, and I am telling the older more trusting generation all the time they are being scammed and ripped off. You could get with your local post office, and explain to them what is happening, and get with the local postal inspectors, they can help if they are willing too. I know we are helping a few families now, some of which have already lost everything they had, and that is how the family became involved. It all comes from out of this country. You could also try to tell her, that you NEVER have to pay a shipping charge for something like that that you have won, especially $1000.
On 07/18/2011, Dee Brownfield said ...
Hope she learns quickly!! Get out!!! and I too, refer to your beautiful flower as the Rose of Sharon. We had them across our back yard years ago. just beautiful!
Pink Hugs,
Dee
On 07/18/2011, Bien said ...
My motto is, "If it's too good to be true, it's too good to be true.
On 07/19/2011, Susan said ...
Oh no.... Your friend should have listened you. I'm deaf and I would never believe anything that may think the deal is good to give money away! I have heard some stories about scam. I appreciate you are trying to help her. Wish she would listen you. You are a true friend.
On 07/19/2011, Kathryn Duke said ...
Agree with you...But I am conservative myself!!
I have always loved this old fashioned bush too and have heard it called Rose of Sharon also...
On 07/19/2011, Elizabeth said ...
I am so sorry to hear that your friend won't listen to you. Sometimes people just want to believe something so badly. If she does come around, have her report the incident to the authorities. It's a good idea to report scams--potential and real--to your state's Department of Justice. Eventually, the bad guys will get caught!
I LOVE your star quilt. Made me smile. Thanks for that!
On 07/20/2011, Kai said ...
Oh, Susan! About 12 years back I had a friend - Ms. Amy - who was 79 and VERY trusting. She fell into one of those schemes & they cleaned her OUT. Her savings, her retirement $$ - everything. I begged & BEGGED her from day one to REPORT the people (two guys) but she became angry with me and said I just didn't want to see her become 'better off' and she pulled away from me. It broke my heart because every single time she came to Bally's (she took water aerobics & I taught dance aerobics there) I would try to speak to her. I watched her get thinner, angrier, and more defeated-looking by the week. Ms. Amy committed suicide a year later. Her daughter found her when her mom didn't return her calls. I HOPE - I PRAY - your friend wakes up.
On 08/02/2011, Mama Pea said ...
Thanks for telling me the name of that flower. I have a bush growing in my backyard and don't know what it is. I think it's that! No one else around here could tell me what it was. Thanks! It looks a lot like the bush in your previous post!
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