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Store Owner Prevents Widow from Losing $700K to Scam Artists

KTSM••John Hogan and Susan Samples
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A widow in El Paso was nearly scammed out of $700,000 after being falsely informed that her Social Security funds were linked to terrorism. The scammers instructed her to purchase gold as a means to protect her money. Fortunately, an observant store owner recognized the suspicious transaction and intervened, preventing the woman from losing her life savings. This incident highlights the importance of vigilance against fraud, especially targeting vulnerable individuals.

Key Details: • The widow was misled into thinking her Social Security funds were supporting terrorism. • Scammers attempted to have her buy $700,000 worth of gold. • An alert store owner intervened to stop the transaction.

community fraud scam alert social-security

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El Paso

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