Scams are increasing everywhere, and sadly, many target the elderly who may not always suspect fraud. A heartbreaking case from Texas shows just how dangerous these scams can be. A 71-year-old woman was tricked into paying $64,000 for roof repairs she never needed, leaving her house damaged and her savings wiped out.
How the Scam Began
The woman, who lives in Tyler, Texas, met two men in late March who came to her home. They told her that her roof was “unstable.” One of them even climbed onto the roof and jumped to make it look like there was a soft spot, which made her believe the roof was unsafe.
Worried about her home, she agreed to let them fix the supposed damage. But the real damage came from the fraudsters themselves.
Fake Repairs and Real Damage
Instead of helping her, the two men made the roof worse. Court records show that they charged her four times the cost of a normal roof replacement. They left the roof sunken and covered it poorly with tiles.
A local contractor later visited her home and confirmed that the roofers had not only done bad work but had caused the damage themselves. For example, they claimed to fix a “rotted chimney flute” but simply painted the tiles around it.
She Lost $64,000
The woman handed over six checks and $14,000 in cash, totaling $64,000. She later found out the work was fake and reported it. One of the suspects, Levy Aaron Lee, was arrested and charged with financial abuse of an elderly person. He is now in jail with a bond set at $350,000. His partner has not yet been charged but reportedly asked for all checks to be written in Lee’s name.
Scams Are Increasing Across the US
This is not an isolated case. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that fraud cases in the US are growing rapidly, and people are losing more money than ever before. Scammers use many tricks—investment scams, lottery frauds, imposter scams, fake support calls, and even Bitcoin ATM scams.
In one case, a woman from Ohio searched online for Microsoft support and found a fake number that led her to a scammer. The fraudster scared her into giving remote access to her computer and convinced her to deposit $40,000 into a Bitcoin ATM. Though a store employee tried to stop her, she had already lost $20,000.
Other Victims and Huge Losses
Scammers often use fear, lies, and urgency to trick people. One elderly man lost $280,000 after a “protection call” convinced him his money was at risk. Another victim was cheated out of $50,000 just for answering a suspicious phone call.
These examples show how smart and convincing these scammers can be, and why it’s important to stay alert.
Scams like the one faced by the Texas woman are becoming more common and more dangerous. Older people are especially at risk, and it’s important to be cautious when dealing with strangers offering services. Always check credentials, avoid paying large amounts upfront, and never trust someone who pressures you to act quickly. Reporting fraud is also important, as it helps protect others from falling into the same trap. By staying informed and alert, we can fight back against scammers and protect our money and peace of mind.