Ed note: The scam described seems unbelievable because there were so many red flags. But it did and does still happen. If anything like this is in your life, talk to a trusted family member or advisor. The scam attempts seem to be increasing and more clever over time. Remember, don’t click on links unless from a trusted source; the Feds don’t call you; listen to your bank and financial advisor.
By Linda Khandro — Special to The Seattle Times
Between June and October last year, I was scammed.
It was by someone impersonating the chair of the Federal Trade Commission who said my money was in danger. I was threatened with arrest (for money-laundering and child porn) and with breaking the law if I told anyone (my children, friends, banks). I was told that the people threatening my savings would be caught if the government “secured my money.” Once the case was closed, my money would be returned.
I didn’t discover the lies until months later. By then, the money was gone. My career was in tatters. I had to retire. I hope a pension is forthcoming. I’m an academic with degrees in earth sciences, I had been teaching college for 30-plus years and am not so easy to intimidate, but they got me. I had lived in a scientific bubble, unaware that this could happen.
What did happen? And what were the red flags I missed?
On June 2, 2023, my computer screen flashed with a message that it had been hacked and that I must phone an 888 number to get a technician. Red flag #1. I called the number; don’t call numbers like this.
I was redirected to the “Chairperson of the Federal Trade Commission.” Red flag #2. A federal official will never call you. I was told some accounts had been used for fraud and theft, and there was a “pending arrest warrant for money-laundering and child pornography.” Red flag #3. Arrest warrants are never issued by phone and/or text message.
I was then told I could not tell anyone about this under the Privacy Act. Red flag #4. The U.S. Privacy Act of 1974 does not apply to civilians; it applies to employees and officials of the federal government.
I was told to send $187,000 to the federal government to “secure my account(s) to keep money launderers from using it.” Red flag #5. A request for a large amount of money, to be delivered immediately.
I was told that once the money was received, my “case would be closed and all money would be reimbursed.” I withdrew half the money from a bank and my retirement savings. Bank managers repeatedly asked if I was being pressured to make these withdrawals. I lied; no one would crack this wall of secrecy, I vowed.
By mid-August and my forced retirement, the scammers had more than what they said they required but insisted on the retirement-based balance in my accounts. The scammers described in great detail how the funds were to be delivered. I made withdrawals, deposited money, withdrew more money. I even turned over bitcoin.
An Oct. 10 text from the “FTC chair” said my case was closed; documents and cashier’s checks would arrive at my home in a week.
But eight days later, everything came crashing down. I happened to see something from a bank that I had taken notes on in July. I knew everything, instantly. The whole picture unspooled; the entire operation was all lies. I had believed it and was robbed of $400,000 and $80,000 in taxes.
I started reporting the scam right away: local police, the FTC, FBI, IRS, federal lawmakers and banks. Will I recover my money? I highly doubt it and do not count on it. I am using food banks and hoping to return to employment.
At age 76 I’m healthy and strong but what if someone else in this situation were not? It’s a painful question.
Be safe and look out for each other.
Linda Khandro is a geologist, earth and space science educator, musician and artist in Shoreline.
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