Recently my father-in-law has retired, he was getting his affairs in order to sell his house, my wife's childhood home, and relocate to live more modestly. But just a few days ago he was contacted by what he believed to be a series of IRS officers, with badge #'s and a criminal investigation case #, demanding back taxes and fines. As well as threatening prosecution and incarceration if immediate action was not taken on his part or if he discussed this "case" with anyone. These were in fact professional scammers and he has now lost over $20K.

How could this happen you might ask? My dear father-in-law lost his wife, my wonderful mother-in-law, just a little over a year and a half ago and it was she who handled all their tax and financial issues over the 40 years they were married. He was doing the best he could with what he had and what he was left with. He even had just started organizing their taxes for last year when the calls began on Friday, 20th Feb.

Not a stupid man by any means, a former college biology professor and a now retired reg. respiratory therapist, he fell for their well honed tactics out of fear, maybe ignorance, but mostly a depression he has suffered since his wife's passing.

The lesson here is, share your financial and legal obligations with your loved ones, guard against this and also, never be afraid to seek help in a crisis no matter what. These thieves threatened him with dire consequences if he shared any information with anyone, preying on his fear and emotional state. If he had said something maybe we could have helped.

So here we are, asking for any and all contributions to help ease the embarrassment of this situation so he can get back on his feet. We will be truly, gratefully appreciate it. This scam basically emptied his bank account and savings and he doesn't know where else to turn to. From the bottom of our hearts I thank you in advance and it would put a smile back on his face.