How a Fake Customer Service Call Led to a $1 Million Romance Scam - A Cautionary Tale
Nbc10 Philadelphia4 days ago
830

How a Fake Customer Service Call Led to a $1 Million Romance Scam - A Cautionary Tale

CUSTOMER SERVICE TIPS
scam
customerservice
romancescam
financialsafety
fraud
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Summary:

  • Joe Subach lost over $1 million to a scam starting with a fake Apple customer service call

  • The scam evolved into a romance scam, with the scammer gaining Subach's trust over months

  • Subach was tricked into withdrawing $780,000 in gold and silver, which was picked up by scammers in person

  • FBI highlights the unique combination of financial and romance scam tactics used

  • Always verify customer service contacts and never share personal info with unsolicited callers

The Shocking $1 Million Scam: From Customer Service to Romance

When Joe Subach encountered issues with Apple Pay, he unknowingly dialed a fake customer service number, setting off a chain of events that cost him over $1 million. The scam began with a woman named Daisy, who claimed to be from Apple, warning Subach about a hacked account and identity theft.

The Scam Unfolds

  • Daisy instructed Subach to buy gift cards and share the numbers, under the guise of protecting his assets.
  • The scam escalated into a romance, with daily calls, shared cooking sessions, and affectionate messages.
  • Subach was convinced to withdraw $780,000 in gold and silver, which was then picked up by individuals in a gray SUV.

The FBI's Insight

Nicole Senegar, an FBI Assistant Special Agent, highlighted the unique nature of this scam, combining financial fraud with romance scam tactics, including the rare in-person collection of valuables.

Protecting Yourself

  • Always verify customer service numbers through official websites.
  • Never share personal or financial information with unsolicited callers.
  • Be wary of requests to purchase gift cards or withdraw large sums of money based on phone instructions.

Subach's story is a stark reminder of the dangers of sophisticated scams and the importance of vigilance in protecting one's finances.

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