Target Gift Card Scam

On June 5th of 2021, my father was scammed out of the remainder of his life savings (and then some) through a Target gift card scam.

 

Some incredibly generous friends asked me to set up a GoFundMe so they could lend some financial support, for which I am beyond grateful. I would be so appreciative for help in paying off his remaining credit card balances, which we've gotten down to $3,209.

 

If you are in a precarious financial position yourself, please do not contribute. If you are able to lend some assistance, and moved to do so, I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart. My father has lost so much in recent years, between his health, this scam, and my mother's recent passing, but his will to live is tremendous and inspiring. What I want most in the world is to relieve him of the shame of his financial position and return to him some sense of dignity.

 

Why Your Help Matters

Since my father stopped working for me several years ago — when serious illness forced him to retire — my wife and I have foregone our own retirement savings in an effort to support my parents on a monthly basis. This is not a complaint. Their well-being has appropriately been my and my sister's responsibility. My mother's passing in October of 2021, combined with this gift card scam and covid have exacerbated some of our financial challenges, and increased my father's need for additional assistance. So with gratefulness in my heart, I am accepting help from those fortunate to be able to offer any.

 

More Information on the Prevalence of Gift Card Scams and Elder Fraud

FTC, Scammers Prefer Gift Cards, But Not Just Any Card Will Do

 

FBI, Common Scams and Crimes

 

AARP, Scams & Fraud