An elderly man is at risk of losing his home after scammers posing as Bank of America managed to empty his account.
Richard Runyan, an 82-year-old military veteran, says scammers posing as Bank of America representatives called him and warned him that his account was revealing suspicious activity. Reports ABC affiliate KIII-TV.
Runyan says the call came while he was grieving the loss of his wife, Donna, and the threat to take money from his account left him confused.
“They called me. The guy said, ‘We have information that they’re going to take $20,000 out of your checking account, and you have to go there before noon and take it out yourself so they can’t get it,'” he said.
Thinking his account was in jeopardy, Runyan says he suddenly withdrew the money and gave the scammers two boxes of cash worth tens of thousands of dollars.
“Including the credit card, it was about $41,000. It’s my fault for not paying more attention, but I wasn’t coherent about it.”
Runyan says the scam has been a huge financial blow as he now faces the risk of losing his home.
He has set up a GoFundMe page and is asking the community for help to cover daily expenses and maintain his home.
Bank of America has issued a statement on the matter.
“We recognize the emotional impact and hardship faced by anyone who becomes a victim of fraud. Bank of America provides employees with training and education to help prevent elder abuse and help consumers protect themselves through our better financial habits and Bank of America Safety Center.
To be clear, the root of the problem is criminals who take advantage of hardworking Americans, and we will continue to work closely with government and law enforcement to hold them accountable.
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