Other LanguagesFor Eva Buck, a single mother of twin girls, it was a stranger’s offer to help her save her family’s home from foreclosure.
For small business owner Reuben Quam, it was a promise of big returns on his investment.
For grandparents Howard and Barbara Rice, it was a call from a supposed relative in trouble.
In every case, it was a scam.
The victims, all Washington residents, were robbed of money, a home and trust for mankind. They shared their painful stories of how they were duped with news reporters and capacity crowds during this spring’s Taking Charge in Tough Times seminars. Their hope is that others will learn from their experiences and recognize fraud before it’s too late.
Hundreds of participants attended events in the Tri-Cities, Bellevue, Vancouver and Spokane. They heard from experts with AARP, the Attorney General’s Office, Microsoft, the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Financial Institutions and the Washington State Crime Prevention Association.
If you weren't able to attend, you can still get all the same information online. Today, KCTS channel 9 recorded the presentation in front of a small studio audience and will provide the segments on its Web site.
You can also watch the entire Vancouver workshop on CVTV's site, linked below:
Be sure to check out our Recession Survival Guide for resources.