My cousin David Zandonatti, a 76-year-old retiree always lived a hard-working life, cherishing his family, friends and community.

But recently, he fell victim to a devastating Internet scam that wiped out his and his wife Christina’s entire life savings - every penny they'd saved for their golden years. $256,000!

David’s Security Exchange recently notified him of a breach of his cryptocurrency account. He promptly locked his account due to suspicious activity and changed his password and two factor identification. But the scam artists already had access to his computer screen, so upon re-verifying his identity, the hackers wiped out his account ($256,000!). The FBI has taken on his unique case as a federal crime and elder fraud.

David was born an Italian Catholic boy in south Rockford Illinois. A guitarist, bassist, singer-songwriter and poet, he spent over 50 years playing in Rock and Roll Bands – Tripsichord Music Box in San Francisco and at the Summer of Love 1967 in Golden Gate Park, and in the west coast bands Natty Bumppo and the Blue Darts.

David has been married to Christina for over 52 years and has 6 children, 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. For six years, he has been caring for a traumatic brain injury sufferer.

At his age, he should be able to look forward to the simple joys of spending time with his family and playing music with his friends. Instead, this theft has left him in a deep depression and shock as all of his savings, meant for basic needs and built through hard work and careful planning have been cruelly stolen from him and Christina.

Although this cyber crime has left him very ashamed, he realizes that he is not alone. Scammers prey on vulnerability and trust and he wants to share his story to warn others.

I want to share the story of this despicable crime to ask for your kind donation, however small. If you cannot donate even a small amount, please forward this onto your friends. Every little bit will help him and his wife start to get back on their feet.

With their faith in God's loving kindness and with your help, they can regain some financial stability and begin to heal from this betrayal. All donations will go towards covering expenses and rebuilding a small savings.

Please help them and share widely. Please warn your friends and family about these cryptocurrency scams and financial abuse of the elderly. Thank you so much. Your consideration of this request means the world to me and David and Christina and their family.