The Strange Request I Got

Category: A Little Bit from Elaine A Little Bit from Elaine
Published: 16 June 2022 16 June 2022

By Elaine Carlson

 "Hello. I just want to touch bases with you," the first message said. "Can I ask you for a small favor?"

My mother died almost twenty years ago. This week someone with the same name as a co-owner of the Assisted Living Center (ALC) where she lived for the last several years of her life sent me that message. Right away I replied and said I would do whatever she wanted me to do.

She was also quick to respond.

"Actually, I need to get an Amazon E-gift card for my niece. It's her birthday today," she said. "I tried purchasing one but my card got declined."

She asked, "Could you get it on Amazon and have it sent to her email address? Let me know so I can provide you with her address."

I wrote back and said I would do that.

"Thanks for your help," she answered, "Amount needed is $300 Amazon E-gift card."

She gave me the name and email address of "her niece." I guess she thought I would be pleased because she said, "I'll reimburse you for the money you spend."

I had no intention of buying her that $300 Amazon E-gift card. But I did decide to do some online research. I wanted to find out if that ACL where my mother stayed was still in business. And if that woman who was a part-owner is still there.

I was happy to learn the answer to both questions is yes. And that not only is she still there but now she is listed in their web page as the President of that ALC.

After a bit of snooping I learned the person who contacted me and the President had different email addresses (DUHJ). And their full names were different --- one had a middle initial and the other didn't (another DUH).

Yes I know this whole effort to get me to do a "small favor" is a scam. What made me really surprised is that fraudster who contacted me didn't promise me anything other than to say she would reimburse me for the money I would spend. I thought it was basic for scams to be presented as "investments opportunities" that will make the person "tremendously wealthy."

Maybe this scam artist is depending on the altruistic nature of people to be sympathetic to someone having their credit or debit cards declined because of financial hardship.

I just shake my head. Why would anyone would trust another person to be sure to pay back a loan when the credit card company doesn't think the person would be likely to repay?

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