'I thought I was doing something good': The scam that took Judith Boivin's life savings
On Point | Podcast
Deep Dive
What was the initial approach used by scammers to deceive Judith Boivin?
Scammers called Judith, spoofing the Rockville Police Department's number, and claimed her Social Security number was being used for money laundering by a fentanyl trafficking cartel. They then transferred her to someone posing as an FBI agent, Wayne A. Jacobs, to further manipulate her.
Why did Judith Boivin believe the scammers were legitimate?
Judith believed the scammers because they used real FBI agent Wayne A. Jacobs' name, spoofed official phone numbers, and provided detailed information about her life, including her Social Security number and address. They also created a sense of urgency and importance by framing the situation as a high-stakes investigation involving fentanyl trafficking.
How did the scammers manipulate Judith into withdrawing her life savings?
The scammers convinced Judith that withdrawing her money in cash was necessary to help the FBI catch criminals. They told her the money would be stored in a secured vault and returned after the investigation. They also created a sense of trust by calling her daily, using a code word, and showing concern for her well-being.
What role did banks play in Judith Boivin's scam?
Banks, including Morgan Stanley, warned Judith that the situation seemed like a scam and even held her funds temporarily. However, Judith, deeply manipulated and convinced she was aiding an FBI investigation, ignored their warnings. The banks did not provide enough detailed information or examples to convince her otherwise.
What were the psychological tactics used by the scammers to control Judith?
The scammers built a relationship with Judith by calling her twice daily, showing concern for her husband's health, and discussing personal details. They used her background as a caregiver to appeal to her desire to help others. This manipulation created a sense of trust and urgency, making her more susceptible to their demands.
What financial consequences did Judith Boivin face after the scam?
Judith lost nearly $600,000, her entire life savings. Additionally, due to tax law changes in 2017, she now faces a tax bill of over $177,000 on the money she withdrew, even though it was stolen. This has left her without a financial safety net for her and her husband's future healthcare needs.
Why is it difficult for victims like Judith to recover their stolen money?
Most of the stolen money is in cash or has been transferred overseas, making it nearly impossible to recover. While the FBI is working with Indian authorities to track down the scammers, the funds are often untraceable or already spent. Victims rarely see any restitution.
What advice does Michelle Singletary give to avoid falling victim to scams?
Michelle advises people to assume any unsolicited call, text, or email is a scam. She recommends verifying the information through official channels, not acting impulsively, and avoiding engagement with suspicious contacts. She also suggests creating a list of verified contact numbers for banks and other institutions to avoid falling for spoofed numbers.
How did the Indian government's stance on scam call centers change over time?
Initially, the Indian government showed little interest in addressing scam call centers. However, as the reputation of legitimate call centers in India became at risk, authorities began cooperating with U.S. law enforcement to shut down fraudulent operations. This shift was driven by the need to protect India's legitimate outsourcing industry.
What broader societal impact do scams like Judith's have?
Scams like Judith's not only devastate individual victims but also strain public resources. Victims who lose their life savings may need to rely on government assistance programs like Medicaid, increasing the burden on taxpayers. Additionally, the emotional and psychological toll on victims and their families is significant, highlighting the need for better education and prevention efforts.
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