Here's
the latest in a very long string of telemarketing scams from
Canada:
A caller informs you that you are the recipient of a large cash settlement in a Canadian lawsuit and even gives you the name of the judge and perhaps the docket number.
Oh there's just one thing. Before the money can be sent out of Canada, you need to -- guess what? -- pay the taxes.
The nice man gives you the address and asks you to send the money via overnight express. Of course, that is the last you hear from him ... and the last you see of your money.
This type of scam has been around forever but there are constant variations and new twists. Many of these scams are based in Canada, which is not only nearby but tends to have a trustworthy image with Americans.
Don't fall for these schemes. They are nearly impossible to solve and the chance that you will recover your money is somewhere around nil.
If you have elderly relatives, warn them about this and similar schemes. The con artists who pull these are very skillful. They are very patient and often win the victim's trust by chatting about children, grandchildren, etc. before extracting the cash.
There
should be a special spot in hell for these people, but for
now, vigilance is the only answer.
For other common scams against the elderly, see our Aging
and News sections.
