These words are difficult to write, but this is a time when I need to put ego and reputation aside and ask for your help. Straight to the point, my father was being taken advantage of by people pretending to be investors.
Back this spring, my father began receiving calls and texts eventually convincing him to make a large investment. He did so by using a credit card and a home line of credit. Dad was expecting a big return on investment, but it never came. For months, the investors claimed they were ready to send a return, but he would need to pay for various fees and expenses which need to be paid in gift cards. For months my dad would visit several stores in a day to buy a few gift cards at a time. When he had accumulated the right amount in gift cards he would message the investors the codes from the back of the gift cards, a day or so later the investors would give some sort of excuse why money could not be sent and the vicious routine would start all over again. Dad didn’t understand that people he was doing business with were running a ponzee scam from countries located thousands of miles away from Simpsonville.
After his death we learned that dad had stopped paying the bills, and he let his life insurance lapse. Most of December was spent trying to pay utilities, taxes, dentists, car insurance, life insurance and the funeral. While everyone in the family has helped with various bills and expenses, it needs to be acknowledged that Lauren, my sister, has carried most of the financial burden.
January 2, we opened a letter from an attorney stating that the bank was foreclosing on mom’s house. Thankfully, the bank has set a date of January 16th for us to pay the late fees and payments missed, and then resume paying on the line of credit as before.
We have set up this fund in hopes of raising $15,000 to help with the line of credit and funeral costs. That’s an embarrassing amount of money to ask for, and it’s not something I would probably ever do for myself, but understand I am doing this for my mother. Please know that any amount is appreciated. If we received a few dollars from enough people it would make a big difference.
The irony of explaining how my father was scammed out of thousands of dollars and immediately asking you to give online, is not lost on me. I have done my best to find a giving platform that would be safe for you and for us. If you have questions or concerns, or if you’re reluctant to give online, please message or call Lauren or myself. We will be glad to send you one of our mailing addresses.
Thank you for all the love and support we have received this past month. We value your friendship and welcome your prayers.
