Unfortunately Scammed for first time:

We thought we'd found a nice opportunity to temporary boost for our income with what seemed like a legitimate 3-month car wrap program with El Pollo Loco. They offered bi-weekly ($800 every two weeks) equalling $1600 a month. $4,800 looked completely real: official letter contract, even a $4,580 check to cover the costs of the car wrap. But my friends sadly it was all an elaborate scam, and now we're $-2,358 in debt with rent ($2,400) due in just days (June 30th) - and three boys counting on us.

How This Devastated Our Family:

1. The fake check trap

- Received a "El Pollo Loco" check for $4,580

- Paid $3,087 to their "wrapping team" on PayPal(as instructed)

- Left $1,492 in our account - then disaster struck

2. The check bounced, plunging us to -$2,937

3. Bank fees took another $794 ($578 from me + $216 from Colleen)

4. Final blow: Now at -$2,358 with $2,400 coming up fast (rent is usually $2,235 but late fees put us at 2,400) rent is due June 30th

We're Humiliated and Concerned

We were certain this was best for us, a small, yet not life changing little boost. We were just trying to earn a little extra money for our family. Now we're lying awake sick with worry, facing:

- Eviction with our three boys

- Overdrawn accounts with no way to recover

- Plus the shame of falling for this scam

Our Boys Need Stability

Our children don't understand why mom and dad are so stressed. They just need:

- A roof over their heads

- Food on the table

- To feel safe and secure

We Need Your Help By June 30th

- Share this everywhere

- Pray for our family

- Send words of encouragement

We promise to pay this forward when we're back on our feet. Please don't let our boys suffer because I trusted the wrong people.

[DONATE NOW] • [SHARE OUR STORY] • [HELP SAVE OUR HOME]

This is likely one of the scariest moments of our marriage and sadly we are in need of help & charity, as we’re out of options. If 300 people gave just $8, we could cover rent. If 50 people gave $50, we could stop the overdraft spiral. Every single dollar saves us.

With hope and gratitude,

Ben & Colleen Duncan

Parents of Miles, Caleb, and little Bryce