(Attempted) Fraud Prevention, Part 2

No, we couldn't stop that old man from buying money orders every day or so, even after the Postal Inspectors told him he was being defrauded. It didn't stop him from sending money to a different person. "This is different than that other one." He would say.

While we couldn't force him to stop funding criminals, it didn't stop me from trying every which way to wake him up when he came in.

"They talked you into more money, huh? Shouldn't you just empty your bank account all in one shot and send it and get it over with? That's the only way they'll stop."

"What are you up to now $9000?"

"We checked out the guy you're sending money to, he's a middle man who sends it on to someone in Jamaica. We can't arrest him for mailing money orders. But, you have a friend in Jamaica who's living big on your donations."

"You know, I really don't appreciate being a part of rewarding and funding criminals. I really wish you would give that to your children or family or a charity or just keep it."

"The lady up the street from you just sent her last $30,000 to this EXACT SAME ADDRESS. Now she has nothing and her husband is in a mental institution. (true)"

I actually said all these things.

He would say, "I hope this is the last one."

I always responded, "Sir, it won't be. I'll see you in here tomorrow for another one. Hope has nothing to do with it. They will keep taking your money until you stop."



Today he came in for a $400 money order. I gave him the usual riffing. And afterwards this:

Man: "I came for a money order."

Me: "That's a money order right there."

Man: "No, a big one."

Me: "Okay, how much?"

Man: "No, to me!"

Me: "They want you to send a money order to yourself?"

Man: "No, it's from them to me!"

I stare. This was new.

Me: "We don't have anything for you here."

Man: "What?! They said you would have my money!"

Me: "They will never send you any money. Never. Ever. As we've told you for months, YOU ARE BEING DEFRAUDED. THEY ARE FLEECING YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU'VE GOT. You will never get any money from them. It's. A. Scam."

It's just him and me talking while a line is forming and listening, including a private investigator directly behind the man in line whose eyes are starting to pop out of his head. (I often tried to say these things loudly both to educate customers and shame the man into stopping.

He looked actually distraught this time. I felt encouraged. Something was making him pay attention! Even if it was only he was no longer "expecting" money in the future, but right then.

Man: "What am I supposed to do then?"

Me, loudly: "Cash that money order you just bought, keep your money, and NEVER SEND THEM ANY MORE!"

Man: "I'm not sure what to believe..."

Me, incredulously, "Sir, do you remember when we brought you in and our Postal Inspectors told you you were being lied to and defrauded?! Believe them!"

He looks at the money order, confused, "I'm going to have to call them and ask them what they're doing...."

My mouth works silently.

He looks up, "I can send this later, right?"

I failed, "Yes, you can send it later."

He left, though without immediately mailing it as is usual.

Yikes. He won't stop. It's a twisted mental addiction now. Easier to hope for money and that you were right, than face the fact you were stupid, deceived, and lost your money permanently.