Scamming and Elder Financial Abuse - Always Be Alert!

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Far Right: Optimist Member Barb Stockhausen, Carol Lange, and Optimist President Terri Ellis

Carol Lange, retired teacher, principal, and most recently a university elementary education instructor, shared her personal story which she titles "Mr. Wales Went Phishing and Got Caught". Her story is about being scammed and a victim of elder financial abuse. Scamming is the act of using a dishonest, deceptive plan or trick to cheat people out of money, valuables, or personal information. According to the best available estimates, there may be more than five million elderly (age 65 or older) abuse victims each year.

Carol's story started on the Fourth of July holiday weekend in 2025 when she mistakenly clicked on a link that led to a virus indicating there was a problem with her computer. Innocently, she followed the instructions given which led to conversation with David Wales, who claimed to be an officer of the National Trade Commission. Mr. Wales said a federal marshal was enroute to arrest Carol for money laundering, terrorism, and drug trafficking. To confirm his identity, Mr. Wales sent her a copy of an arrest warrant, his ID number, badge number, and a Supreme Court document signed by Chief Justice John Roberts. All of which were fake. Mr. Wales said he could help Carol if she cooperated with him. He warned her that her bank accounts would be locked when her financial institutions found out she would be arrested. She was scared and followed his orders.

Carol withdrew money from a bank account and converted it to gold per his instruction and then Wales picked it up, along with the receipt, because he was going to "save her money." He continued to request more money for gold the following week and when Carol made her next trip to the bank, she listened to advice from bank officers, realizing she was being scammed. Platteville police were contacted and, with help from the state and FBI, Wales was apprehended and arrested.

This case initiated locally in the State of Wisconsin, then went to District Court and is currently under review by the Eastern Texas Court.

Carol credits the financial institutions and police department in assisting and identifying her scam. Although she may never recover the money she lost, she wants everyone to be alert and informed so they don't end up in a similar situation. She noted AARP as an excellent resource for seniors. They are aware of the latest scams, identify identity theft, have suggestions for protection against fraud, share information about building strong passwords and have many benefits. She said they are wonderful, inexpensive, and easy to join. If you aren't a member, she suggests that you become one.

Thank you, Carol, for sharing your personal story.