Post Reports The ‘FBI’ called. Then she got scammed.
10 snips
Dec 12, 2024 
Michelle Singletary, a personal finance columnist for The Washington Post, teams up with Judith Boivin, a scam victim who lost her life savings. They delve into the painful details of a sophisticated government impersonation scam that exploited trust and manipulated emotions. Judith shares her shocking experience of believing she was involved in a federal investigation and the heartbreak that followed her financial betrayal. The discussion highlights the importance of awareness, emotional impact on decisions, and the need for victims to share their stories to prevent future scams.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Judith Boivin’s Story
- Judith Boivin, 80, received calls appearing to be from Rockville Police and the FBI.
- She was told a drug cartel used her social security number, leading her to transfer her life savings.
Victim Shame and Judith’s Mindset
- Many scam victims don't report due to shame and embarrassment.
- Judith, a public servant, believed she was an FBI asset.
The Initial Calls
- Judith received two calls from what appeared to be Rockville Police, the second while taking her husband to an appointment.
- The caller claimed her social security number was used to open bank accounts, transferring her to a fake FBI agent.