A family in Southern California is issuing a warning after their elderly father was reportedly scammed out of $20,000. The victim’s daughter expressed her devastation, knowing that many others are likely being targeted by the same scammers. She has chosen to keep her family’s identity private.
In April, her 83-year-old father bought a cyber protection package from InstaFix US LLC for $900. Six months later, he received a call from someone claiming to be from the same company, stating they were closing down and he would receive a refund. The daughter believes her father was blinded by the prospect of getting his $900 back, not questioning the legitimacy of a company offering a full refund six months later while going out of business.
The victim granted the caller access to his computer and Bank of America accounts. A cybersecurity expert, Clifford Neuman, Director of the USC Center for Computer Systems Security, explained that the scammers likely gained control of the victim’s computer through remote desktop access.
Initially, a test transfer of $200 was made, but the scammer claimed to have accidentally transferred $20,000. In a panic, the scammer convinced the victim he needed to return the excess money to avoid getting fired. The daughter revealed that the transferred money actually came from her father’s own checking account to his savings account, unbeknownst to him.
The scammers instructed the victim to withdraw the cash in smaller amounts from two different branches. A man arrived at the family’s home minutes later to collect the money. Despite his wife’s skepticism and attempts to stop him, the victim happily handed over the money, not realizing it was his own.
Instafix US responded to inquiries by stating they are a legitimate company and do not ask customers to send money through unconventional means. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the incident as a crime. Bank of America advised customers to be wary of communications that play on emotions or pressure immediate action, as these are likely signs of a scam.
The victim reported that he continued to receive calls from the same numbers the following week but chose to ignore them.