Scammed South Shore 89-Year-Old Lost $19,000 in Ride Fraud

The Scam That Targeted an 89-Year-Old Woman

An 89-year-old woman from Hingham, Massachusetts, fell victim to a sophisticated scam that cost her $19,000. This incident highlights the growing threat of "impersonation schemes," where scammers pose as bank employees or other trusted entities to defraud individuals.

The scheme began with an email that appeared to come from the woman’s bank. It warned of unusual account activity and provided a phone number for the “fraud department.” When she called, a man on the line claimed her account was compromised and instructed her to withdraw $34,000 in cash. Over several days, the woman visited branches in Quincy and Scituate, each time keeping the phone line open in her pocket so the scammer could listen to her conversations with bank tellers. He also advised her to ignore any pushback or warnings from the staff.

Despite the scammer’s instructions, the bank employees managed to limit her withdrawals, saving her an additional $15,000 in potential losses. However, the woman ultimately handed over $19,000 in cash to a man who arrived at her home under the pretense of moving the money into a secure account. The man then drove off with the money.

This case is part of a larger trend. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans reported losing more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, with imposter scams being one of the most common types of fraud. These scams involve individuals pretending to be from banks, government agencies, or other trusted sources.

The FTC has also noted a fourfold increase since 2020 in older adults losing $10,000 or more to impersonation schemes. Bank impersonation, often through emails or text messages like the one that targeted the Hingham woman, is particularly prevalent. In 2022 alone, consumers lost about $330 million to text scams, many of which involved fake bank security alerts.

How to Avoid Being Scammed

Police in Hingham have emphasized the importance of recognizing the signs of such scams. In this case, the scammer built trust with the woman through repeated phone calls and by staying on the line to prevent her from contacting her family, her bank, or authorities.

Officials advise that banks will never send someone to your home to collect money. If you receive an unexpected email or text about your account, do not click on any links or call the number provided. Instead, use the contact information listed on your bank card or statement.

Anyone with information about the recent incident in Hingham is encouraged to contact Detective Heather Hermida at 781-741-1443.

Preventing Future Scams

To protect yourself and loved ones from similar scams, it's essential to stay informed and vigilant. Here are some key steps to take:

• Verify the Source: Always confirm the legitimacy of any communication that appears to come from your bank or a government agency.
• Avoid Clicking Links: Never click on links in unsolicited emails or text messages. Instead, visit the official website directly.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect you've been targeted by a scam, report it to local authorities or the FTC immediately.
• Educate Yourself: Stay updated on the latest scam tactics by following news reports and official advisories from trusted sources.

By taking these precautions, individuals can better protect themselves from falling victim to increasingly common and dangerous scams.