Scammers Take Over $50,000 From Sand Springs Man

Scammers took more than $50,000 from an 87-year-old man in Sand Springs. The victim is sharing his experience in hopes of protecting others.

Scammers told Russell to go to seven different stores to buy gift cards in order to secure his money. But no one legitimate will ever ask you to use a gift card to pay for anything.

The minute someone says "gift card," it’s a scam 100 percent of the time.

"As the old saying goes, you live and learn," said Russell Hudson.

Even at 87 years old, Russell is learning lessons. "You don't stand for something you'll fall for anything," said Russell.

He opened his laptop and a message flashed across his screen. "Do not open or close your computer. Do not mess with it. It's been compromised," said Russell.

Then the phone rang. A scammer said it was Mike with Russell's Bank, saying Russell's bank account had been compromised.

"I was scared to death thinking somebody was gonna take money we'd saved over the years," said Russell.

The scammer, Mike, told Russell to go to the bank immediately and withdraw $15,000. "'Tell them you're doing some work on your house,'" said Russell.

Mike told Russell to go to pharmacies and Dollar Generals and buy $500 gift cards at each one, then give Mike the numbers off the back of those cards.

Once they get those numbers, the money is gone forever.

The next morning, Mike told Russell to withdraw $40,000. "'Have that wired to JP Morgan Bank in California and we will set up an account in your name,'" said Russell.

Russell realized he'd been scammed but it was too late to reverse the transfer. He and his late wife worked for everything he has and now, 52-grand is gone.

"Get a job. Earn your money just like the rest of us old people do," said Russell.

If you get a call from someone who says they are with your bank or credit card company or law enforcement, call that agency directly.

Talk to somebody you trust before giving up money or information, and don't believe your caller ID, because scammers can make it look like anyone is calling.