This is what keeps me motivated...
Added 2019-05-19 10:36:32 +0000 UTCI've just had an email from someone who is a complete stranger to me, but thought that he would share his story. I thought I'd re-post this email here because it's exactly what keeps me motivated to go after the criminals who make scam calls.
This is what PG wrote:
"Hello, I’ve been watching your channel for a little bit and I’d love to share a story with you.
I work at a Texas Walgreens location in the United States, and I worked up front about 2 months ago. I think it was around noon, I was a morning shift. I was checking a customer out when an older woman came in and started showing me a paper with some information written on it. It had a name and what they wanted on it, which this woman just started asking for gift cards. She told me that a police officer wanted her to come into the Walgreens she lived closest to and purchase $1,500 worth of gift cards and meet someone behind the nearby Walmart.
Having knowledge of these scams and watching videos like yours, my mind immediately knew what was going on. Initially, I refused to tell her where our gift cards were located in the store. Two other customers in line told her it was a scam, followed by me trying to explain that no officer would ever contact you to pay off a warrant. She was so scared, she didn’t know why she was even there. The two customers then contacted the police and they soon showed up, trying to calm the elderly woman down to no avail. Whilst trying to explain it was a scam, she seemed to be forgetting what was being said, thinking she had to buy the gift cards when being told not to. She kept pointing at her slip of paper saying that the officer needed the cards, or she would be arrested, even starting to cry in the front of the store. The scammer even called back, but the responding officer took the phone and tried to talk to them, but they hung up after she presented herself as an officer. Her son came and took her home after about 20 minutes of this back-and-forth, and they went home.
I love watching your videos, and I just had to share this story with you. I’ve never felt so heartbroken from seeing such evil people take advantage of elderly men and women. Keep up the content. "
I often get comments on YouTube along the lines of "Who would ever fall for these scams?" When you're young and know all about computers it's the sort of question you might ask. But if you have elderly relatives or just someone who is distracted with other things, it's something which happens all the time. I see it every day unfortunately and these scammers just need the 1 in 100.
Thank you to PG for sharing his experience. I'm glad there are PGs out there too.
Comments
That’s messed up.
Atul Gupta
2021-03-31 15:49:15 +0000 UTCa long time fan of your channel, I have something That I think you will find really funny... There is a Movie called HELLO in India, about Indian call centers in India.. where in the end the heroic thing they do is scam people... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ja3XCa8GcRk Time code 1:48:20 I think you will find this very funny, the important parts are in English, but if you need help I will translate other lines for you... I think this could be another fun video for your channel, even the people in the movie and its writers are into shady shit here..
TG Films
2019-05-29 18:41:19 +0000 UTCHere in KW, Ontario, the Walmart gift card displays have signs saying that the CRA will never ask for payment in gift cards. I hope more stores do something similar. And thanks to the cashier for stopping that lady.
Zeragamba
2019-05-20 02:40:22 +0000 UTCHello Jim, the word 'Thank you' is not even enough to tell you because you have truly opened our eyes with your AWESOME WORK. You remind me of an Eagle eye, you became our ears and eyes behind the scenes. A billion appreciation to you from us all. I am AMAZED of your efforts and dedication tackling against these RATS SCAMMERS who are continuing to steal people's hard work money. In my view, money can be replaced, however, a peace of mind can never be replaced. It's not just about money that these scammers are taking from us, but it's our peace of mind that these scammers have stolen from us in which it effects our human emotions. You are forever a GIFT to us all. Please know that you're deeply appreciated by all means. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏💛🙏🙏👍
2019-05-20 00:43:42 +0000 UTCI did get his permission and he's actually commented above (PoliticsGaming)... thanks PG!
Jim Browning
2019-05-19 18:42:34 +0000 UTCYou should see about getting PG's okay to put that in a video for your channel - either a video unto itself or as part of a video with a similar scam going on. When I've shopped at WalMart, I've also noticed they have a sign at their checkouts about buying gift cards for people you haven't actually met. I think the language could be more clear about scams, including mentioning specific language such as refunds and warrants. And the sign should actually be alongside the gift cards. Perhaps you could work with some of these retailers on fashioning language for such a sign. I mean that WalMart has something like that at their checkouts shows they are taking this seriously. At the same time, I think all of us could be a little more vigilant as well, keeping an eye out for people, elderly individuals in particular, buying a lot of gift cards just to make sure it's legitimate (e.g. buying around Christmas for a large family) and that they aren't being scammed.
2019-05-19 18:05:45 +0000 UTCThank you for sharing my story, I thought it would be nice to share it with you. People don't know these things and you're helping so many people.
2019-05-19 16:15:50 +0000 UTCI get so upset when people say anyone who is stupid enough to be scammed deserves it. So glad your work helped save that poor woman!
Music is a Rainbow
2019-05-19 15:00:24 +0000 UTCI've had some close calls getting scammed too. I thank myself for getting bullshitted easily. But also thank myself now, for seeing bullshit early. You videos do help, but just "the walk of life" being a great education.
2019-05-19 14:21:58 +0000 UTCI've always said it. You are a modern day hero.
GamerForLifeDrakunia
2019-05-19 12:32:43 +0000 UTCHad a close, 70yo friend just a few months ago admit to being almost scammed out of $1000 in virtually the same manner with iTunes gift cards. Thankfully he called into a workshop on his way home to book his car in for a service and, when he explained his rush to get back home to someone there, they told him it was a scam to go back to the store, get a refund, then go home and turn off his PC. His friends, despite being of similar vintage, have always chided him about being cautious on-line, but it obviously didn't sink in. Thankfully he's more inclined to listen to his mechanic in these matters :\
Peter Kerwin
2019-05-19 12:27:30 +0000 UTCI'm expecting the Patron version (unblurred) by the end of this week. I promise this one will be the best yet.
Jim Browning
2019-05-19 11:11:42 +0000 UTC
