A Lakin, Kansas, family is speaking out after their 87-year-old father was scammed out of $30,000 — and nearly lost his entire retirement fund — after a fraudulent computer alert.
Tom Grauburger says he was trying to file his taxes when his computer suddenly froze up on him.
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“Microsoft Defender popped up and [said] something about [a] problem with the computer,” Grauburger recalled to KAKE News in a story published April 30.
The message included a phone number, which he called. A person answered with a name and employee ID. Grauburger thought he was reporting a potential security issue. Instead, he was pulled into a scam that lasted three weeks and affected both his finances and relationship with his daughters.
How did the scam work?
Grauburger was transferred to someone claiming to be with the Federal Trade Commission. According to the broadcaster, the scammer told him his identity had been used to buy illegal firearms and child pornography. They even sent him fake documentation and credentials to make the lie more convincing.
“He asked how much money I had in my checking and savings account,” Grauburger said. “Well, can’t lie to a federal officer, so I told him.”
The scammer told Grauburger he was under investigation, per KAKE News, and to sign a non-disclosure agreement. He was then instructed to withdraw $30,000 from two local banks, place the cash between pages of magazines, wrap it in bubble wrap and aluminum foil, and send it in a duct-taped box to an address provided by the scammers. He was told federal agents needed physical proof of his assets.
All the while, Grauburger was kept on the phone for hours a day and instructed to leave his phone on — even at church — so he could be monitored.
“That was really intimidating,” he said. “They listened to everything I said or whatever I did.”
The scam became so consuming that Grauburger started avoiding his family, fearing arrest if he disclosed what was happening.
“My son’s birthday was in April. My dad didn’t call him, which was totally out of character,” his daughter, Debi Leal, told KAKE News. “My youngest sister was very hurt. She called me, ‘Why is Daddy mad at me? Why is Daddy lying to us?’”
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Grauburger says the scammers tried to steal even more money — $200,000 from his retirement account — but the transfer was flagged. The senior canceled the transaction when he received a call from somebody claiming to be a sheriff’s deputy who threatened him with arrest. That’s when he decided to go to the sheriff’s office in person.
“I went down there, and of course, they didn’t know anything about it,” Grauburger said.
In the end, he was able to save his retirement savings, but his $30,000 emergency fund was gone.
Here’s how to avoid similar scams
Grauburger and Leal are now both speaking out to help others avoid falling for similar scams. They urge families to stay alert.
“These people are real slick,” Grauburger said. “I just felt like everybody needs to know.”
Here are a few ways to avoid falling for even the most elaborate scams:
- Don’t trust computer pop-ups or unsolicited calls. Microsoft and government agencies will never ask you to call a number that appears in a warning message.
- Watch for fear and isolation tactics. Scammers often use threats of arrest or legal trouble to keep victims compliant.
- Stay in contact with loved ones. Sudden changes in behavior or communication patterns could be a red flag.
- Never send out cash or gift cards. No legitimate agency will ask for physical money to prove your identity or assets.
- Ask questions. If you’re unsure about a request, talk to a trusted friend, family member, or call local law enforcement yourself.
Grauburger’s story is also a reminder that the emotional toll of a scam can be just as devastating as the financial loss. By speaking out, he hopes others will be better able to avoid the tricky tactics scammers use.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
