In September 2023, Barbara Cook, an 80-year-old resident of Maine, received a call that initially brought her relief. Representatives from Amazon and TD Bank informed her that her and her husband Larry’s identities might have been compromised, causing issues with their online purchases. Eager to protect their financial well-being, Barbara handed the phone to Larry, who learned that their Social Security number had been exploited for purchases on the dark web. Sadly, within hours, the couple would fall victim to a complex scam that would drain their retirement savings of $1.3 million.
The fraudsters skillfully built trust with the Cooks, convincing them to assist in a supposed investigation led by an agent from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The scammers claimed they were following leads on cybercriminals and urged Larry and Barbara to cooperate for the greater good. To make matters worse, they threatened legal consequences if the couple refused to comply.
As the fabricated scenario unfolded, the scammers crafted intricate lies, stating that their two successful sons could also be implicated, and that their reputations would be at stake. The scammers insisted that the Cooks’ savings were at risk and needed to be transferred into “safe accounts” in the form of bitcoin or gold. Reassured by the convincing techniques and a fake letter bearing a purported government seal, the Cooks complied, believing they were doing their civic duty.
Larry Cook, a former pastor and nonprofit founder, reflected on their naivety. “We thought we were helping the US government,” he stated, emphasizing their longtime dedication to assisting others. In their follow-up communications with the scammers, they were assigned a fake FTC agent named “Ryan Terry,” who manipulated them further by asking them to download WhatsApp for secure communication, leading to voice calls where the scams intensified.
The couple withdrew significant amounts of money from their TD Bank accounts in increments, frequently disregarding the suspicions of bank clerks who questioned the legitimacy of the transactions. Under the pretense of a government operation, they deposited stacks of cash into bitcoin ATMs located in various stores and gas stations, often at Barbara’s anxious prompting from the car.
The con artists instructed them to purchase gold with portioned amounts of money, all under the guise of following protocol to secure their funds. Each package containing money or gold, which was later picked up by unknown couriers, was billed as crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation.
One troubling incident occurred when Larry began to question the legitimacy of the situation. Noting a spelling error when Terry verified his Florida address, Larry dismissed the nagging doubt, believing he was engaging with a professional. The manipulative tactics continued until, in April 2024, Larry was unable to contact Terry, who had suddenly become unreachable on WhatsApp. When contacting the FTC, Larry’s heart sank as he learned that there was no such agent associated with the organization, and he was referred to a victim hotline.
Investigations followed, but ultimately, the Cooks learned that authorities held little hope of recovering their losses. Additionally, they faced a heavy tax burden from the money they had withdrawn, as it was considered taxable income. Efforts to resolve the financial aftermath, including seeking assistance from the office of U.S. Senator Susan Collins, provided some relief, but complications continued, notably with sharply increased Medicare payments tied to their tax returns.
In a poignant moment, the couple brought their family together to reveal the fraudulent activities they had kept secret. The event was marked by tears and shared sorrow, as family members struggled to comprehend how Larry had been deceived. The betrayal weighed heavily on the Cooks, particularly as they had intended to use a significant portion of their savings to benefit a new home for children with Down syndrome in Kenya, in memory of their grandson affected by the condition.
Despite their harrowing experience, the Cooks resolved not to let the scam overpower them. They shared their story publicly, hoping to raise awareness and provide comfort to others impacted by similar schemes. They openly acknowledged their vulnerability, stating, “Are we embarrassed? Yes. Were we ignorant and stupid? Yes.” Their focus has shifted toward empathy and understanding, allowing their painful experience to fuel their mission to assist others in need while warning against the tactics of modern scammers.
Both Amazon and TD Bank declined to comment on the specifics of the situation but advised customers to report suspicious calls and transactions through official channels. Authorities continue to encourage vigilance against fraud and remind potential victims of resources available to combat such crimes.
