Talk about being low, ripping off senior citizens of their hard earned money when they are trying to enjoy their golden years. Unfortunately, this is a growing crime trend in the Pacific Northwest. But, there is some hope thanks to a new program that's purpose is to help cops catch the crooks that are ripping off senior citizens.
Margaret Canzler was ripped off by a cunning thief.
“I was just so upset, I couldn't take it you know,” said Canzler.
When Yolanda Pouncey showed up at Margaret’s house the 72 year old was packing getting ready for a trip to Germany with her husband to visit family.
“She said your husband said I could use your phone,” said Canzler.
She thought the stranger seemed legitimate, she said she was pregnant and needed to use the bathroom. Once Pouncey left Margaret discovered she’d been robbed.
“Went to get my credit cards, they were all gone, everything was gone,” said Canzler.
In just a couple of minutes the scam artist took Margaret’s purse and nearly a thousand bucks in cash. Pierce County Prosecutors say Pouncey preyed on over 50 senior victims, ripping them off of hundreds of dollars in cash, credit cards, and jewelry.
Margaret and her husband still went on the trip to Germany to see her daughter and son in law. But, the trip was a tough one because the family was upset about losing all that money.
Detective Ed Troyer with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department says crooks will use a senior’s kindness against them.
“And, unfortunately the one time they think they're helping, they're not, the money is going right into the criminals pockets,” said Troyer.
Because, there are plenty of crooks out there targeting the elderly Tacoma/Pierce County Crime Stoppers and Seattle University have joined forces to start a new program to protect seniors and catch the bad guys.
Tina Hagedorn is one of four executives in the Seattle University Business Program that created the project that urges seniors to not remain silent and report crimes against them.
“We've launched it, yes we have a website and we have our phone number and we're taking tips,” said Hagedorn.
Margaret Canzler never got her money back and she’s lost some of her faith in people too.
“They don't care if they hurt someone or devastate someone,” said Canzler.
Pouncey was arrested and has since pled guilty to burglary and ID theft and awaits sentencing.
If you know of someone that’s scamming or abusing the elderly in your area call Crime Stoppers at 1-253-591-5959. You’re information can help lock up the crooks and could earn you a cash reward too.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment