Friday springtime!

[BarbaraRose]

I just got off the phone with my dad. He sent $650 cash to some people in Alabama this morning. Now they say they need $1500 more to pay taxes on a car he won. I gave him a really bad time about it but he is very defensive about it. I am going to call my brothers and tell them to talk some sense into him. He can't afford to lose all this money. I feel another anxiety attack coming on...

[Liz]

I just got off the phone with my dad. He sent $650 cash to some people in Alabama this morning. Now they say they need $1500 more to pay taxes on a car he won. I gave him a really bad time about it but he is very defensive about it. I am going to call my brothers and tell them to talk some sense into him. He can't afford to lose all this money. I feel another anxiety attack coming on...

Barbie, that scam needs to be reported to authorities.

[Nasoosie]

Oh Barbie, that is soo scary with your dad. He is falling for this scheme hook, line, and sinker. Call your brother fast and send someone over to his house to do something before he keeps sending all his money to these shysters.

I sure hope you can get some rest, as you need that very badly. Whatever virus this is that many are getting sick with is very tenacious, painful, and draining. But you need someone to deal with your dad pronto. And be sure to report what is going on with whatever authorities deal with such criminal actions. Check on the internet to see whom to call.

[chalet05]

I'm sure the police department has a scam/fraud division and they should be contacted immediately. Is your brother so irresponsible that you don't feel you can get him involved?

[Liz]

I'm sure the police department has a scam/fraud division and they should be contacted immediately. Is your brother so irresponsible that you don't feel you can get him involved?

Also, the police may be able to convince your dad he has been scammed easier than you or your brother can.

[BarbaraRose]

The police have already talked to my dad once before. Also, there really is nothing anyone can do to stop these people because they leave no trail and because there is cash involved, nothing can be traced. Even the phone numbers can't be traced since they are from out of the country and change constantly. There is a blog about this (and many websites I have found) telling all about others who have been trying to deal with this situation mostly in vain. Here is the link...

http://scamjammers.blogspot.com/2009/03 ... story.html

These people are at their wits end trying to stop their family members from getting scammed/brainwashed. They have even tried to get the FBI involved with no luck.

I left a message for my brother to call me about this. Will let you know what happens...

[Bethers]

Lots of those scammers get caught, but not without the police being informed, which you should have done as soon as your dad told you. Doesn't matter that they've talked to your dad before, they'll do it again. Please still call them.

[Redetotry]

Barbie I think you and your brothers need to act fast and get legal advise or help from an agency on aging. You might be able to get power of attorney before your dad looses all his savings and his home. You will probably have to do it against his will but he isn't thinking clearly or he wouldn't do this. He may have sent a lot of money to this place and others, can you check his bank accounts?

We had a psychiatrist in my hypnosis class last semester and he said he tells his patients with panic attacks to hold their breath and they will stop. Don't hold it till you pass out of course

[avalen]

scamming the elderly is a crime
To report suspected elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation in Minnesota:

1-800-333-2433 (Connects to the Senior Linkage Line, an information and referral line, which will direct callers to appropriate reporting agencies).

hope I got the state right, heres the link for all states
http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/ncearoot/Main_S ... aspx#state

[BarbaraRose]

One brother doesn't want to get involved, but the other one is very upset and he already has POA so he can take over the finances if necessary. He is going to meet with a lawyer next week to see how to handle this situation.

I start my new job on Monday. I am feeling a little better tonight.

Ava,
I will call that number tomorrow. Thanks!