Powerball Scam Caught By Caregiver
JACKSON, Tenn. – Some West Tennessee caregivers are concerned about a recent Powerball scam that is targeting seniors. Leslee Bibb said her job is to keep senior citizens healthy, happy and safe, and that is why she is upset over a recent phone scam. “I hate to think of a little lady, home alone, who would be frightened by that, and think ‘OK, OK,’ just to get this person to stop calling,” said Bibb, who owns Comfort Keepers. Bibb said someone claiming to be with American Powerball called one of her clients, saying she had won $900,000. “All she had to do was pay one percent of the tax, and they would pay the rest.” Fortunately, her client did not fall for it. Bibb worries others will, especially those who are easy targets. “Probably most of us know better, but that’s very tempting. You know, $900,000 is a lot of money.” Bibb said this type of scam concerns her, especially since it is being done so close to the Powerball lottery drawing. “Never send money,” Bibb said. “If somebody’s going to give you money and wants money first, it’s a scam. But when they use the Powerball and Price Waterhouse, these are things that make it sound a lot more legitimate.” Jackson Police said on average they get four to five calls a day from residents who get these kinds of calls. They said if you do get a call like this, do not give out any personal information to anyone you do not know. Bibb said if you know a senior who does not have a caretaker, to remind them to be on the lookout for this type of scam.
