Hi, my name is Pat Probert from Toronto and I learned of an 86 year old lady named Judy from Sault Ste Marie Ontario who was scammed out of her life savings of about $650,000.00. I have known this lady and travelled with her in the past on trips. After the scammers convinced Judy to cash out her RIF and investments that she worked a lifetime to save they convinced her to put the max amount on her condo which was almost $300,000.00 and convinced her to take and advance on her Visa which was over $35,000.00. Due to the fact of Judy being convinced to cash her RIF and investments it created a tax liability with Revenue Canada of over $80,000.00 of which $47,000.00 is still left to pay. Judy was left with only a few hundred dollars in her bank account.

Judy had to give up her 2021 leased car which had just over 13,000 km on it as she could not afford the lease and is now left to walk with a cane to get places as she presently has no money for taxis or ride share companies of which neither Uber or Lyft operate in her town. She just posted a sign in her building asking if any neighbours can help with rides to the grocery store, drug store and to medical appointments she has to go to as she cannot walk there with a cane or cart.

When Judy's taxes were filed for 2025 this spring for money she did not receive it put her over the top amount allowed to collect Old Age Security and now she does not qualify for Old Age Security effective July 1 2026 and she has also lost her dental coverage. Her only income is a Canada Pension of about $1100.00 per month. Her living expenses are about $2300.00 per month so this puts her in a deficit each month of over $1200.00 per month short for every day living expenses for food, lights, insurance, medication and other essential life necessities.

This is not the way someone who gave so much back to the community should spend her golden years. Judy is a long time Red Hatter and before all of this happened travelled to many places.

We are currently trying to raise some money to get her through the next 2-3 years. This money will help buy gift cards for food, medication and other essentials and to help out with the basics in life as well as some expenses.

We are also hoping someone has a good used car in the Toronto to Sault Ste Marie are that will pass a safety and can reach out as a donation or to purchase at a nominal fee which I am prepared to pay for. This will allow her to get to appointments or go out for food etc if we raise enough money however the most important things money will be spent on is life essentials which will be first. Weather in Sault Ste Marie is not great in the spring, winter or fall and she does not live near shopping. It would be very hard to be locked up in a condo for months because you cannot afford to go out.

This could be your mother, grandmother, sister, cousin or friend in need and we hope if nothing else happens it might bring awareness to our seniors to not follow these scams. It all started with a Mark Carney Crypto Investment of $350.00 on a Facebook ad that looked real to her. We know others are struggling to get by right now with high gas prices and cost of living so any help, any amount will be amazing and we thank each and everyone who can help.

This has been reported to the police, banks and now the press is picking up the story.