Maybe you screen your calls, block spammers and robocalls and encourage your loved ones to do the same. But KPRC 2 Investigates discovered scammers going to great lengths to reach vulnerable victims. A Houston man contacted Amy Davis to explain his frightening story. He hopes to warn others after thieves sent someone to his father’s home.
Thieves try scary new tactics to get ahold of theft victim
After decades in business, the Publisher’s Clearing House prize patrol is still going strong. And, you’ve probably heard of scammers using PCH to trick people. Mike Hunter’s dad fell for one of those calls.
RELATED: More information on scams using PCH name
“My father believed through a phone call from a random person that he had won Publisher’s Clearing House and that he needed to advance them some money to pay for his tax,” said Hunter.
Hunter quickly stepped in when he found out his dad sent some $5,000 in money and gift cards.
“I changed his home line and his cellphone numbers as well as change his email address so people wouldn’t as easily be able to get in contact with him,” said Hunter.
It worked. Those scammers couldn’t get ahold of Hunter’s dad anymore. But when he was visiting his father over the holidays someone knocked on the door.
Locksmith sent to home so thieves could get ahold of scam victim
“The guy said, ‘Hey, I’m here with so-and-so’s locksmith company, too, because I got a call that your father was locked out of his home.’”
The scammers told the locksmith to put them on speakerphone.
“Then they started begging him to give the phone to my father and I could hear him of the speaker. There were screaming my father’s name, asking for his new home phone or cellphone numbers.”
Hunter grabbed the phone, but the scammers hung up. Now - he’s worried. He knows someone has dad’s address and they are willing to take drastic measures. (That’s why Hunter didn’t want us to use his dad’s name or give specifics on the part of Houston he’s in.)
“If they’re willing to waste someone’s time like that, then who’s to say that they don’t have a criminal associate in and Houston that they could send over here,” said Hunter.
He reported the incident to police but for now, educating his dad is all he can do.
The locksmith involved says he’s never had anything like this happen before. The numbers used during these calls and texts were quickly disabled and can’t be traced.
How to help senior citizens fight potential scams
Some of what Hunter did to help his dad is also what elder care experts suggest.
- Change all phone numbers and emails if your loved one is already in contact with scammers.
- Program contacts into their phone and tell them to only answer those calls. You should program healthcare numbers too.
- Block each spam call, text and email as you get them.
How to check if a Publisher’s Clearing House win is real
PCH also warns about the different types of scams people try using its name. They say “winning is always free” meaning there is not a charge to pay taxes, etc. before you can get your prize.
Also, they will not let you know ahead of time if they are going to show up.
You can also call PCH 1-800-566-4724 to verify if you think you’ve won.
If you think you have been a victim of a PCH scam, you can report it here.
Another thing we’ve noticed in both Hunter’s case and in others we’ve heard about is these scammers usually take time to get to know their victims, making them think they are friends.
If you have a story topic or question for us, email Investigates@kprc.com.
