Hi, my name is Josh, and I’m reaching out for help on behalf of my mother, Debbie, who recently fell victim to a sophisticated and heartbreaking scam.

A fraudster, pretending to be from Chase Bank, contacted her with a convincing story about fraudulent activity on her account. They guided her—step by step—through what she believed was a secure process to protect her funds. In reality, they manipulated her into withdrawing her entire savings and redepositing it into an account they controlled. The money is now gone.

Chase Bank has done nothing to help—only blamed her. Local law enforcement took no action. We’ve filed a complaint with IC3.gov, but the reality is that she has very little recourse to recover her retirement savings.

This wasn’t just a random phishing email. It was a calculated, high-pressure scam that mimicked real bank procedures, spoofed legitimate phone numbers, and used fear and urgency to override her instincts. She did what any of us might do when we think our finances are at risk—she tried to protect herself. But instead, she was robbed.

The Bigger Picture

Sadly, my mother is not alone. In 2024, Americans lost $12.5 billion to fraud, with bank impersonation scams among the fastest-growing threats. These scams often begin with a text or call that appears to come from your bank, warning of suspicious activity. The scammers then pressure victims into transferring money or sharing sensitive information.

The Federal Trade Commission reported that imposter scams—including those involving fake bank representatives—accounted for nearly $3 billion in losses last year. And the FDIC has warned that many victims are not reimbursed because the transactions are technically “authorized” under current banking rules.

️ How You Can Protect Yourself

Please take a moment to protect yourself and your loved ones:

How You Can Help

We’re asking for your help to recover what was stolen. Every dollar raised will go directly to helping my mother rebuild her financial stability and peace of mind. She’s a kind, trusting person who didn’t deserve this—and your support means the world to us.

Times are tough for many people right now. If you’re not in a position to give, please don’t feel pressured. But if you can’t donate, consider sharing this campaign and helping spread awareness. The more people know about these scams, the fewer victims there will be.

In the unlikely event that the stolen funds are recovered, every donation will be returned in full.

Thank you for reading, and thank you for caring.

— Josh