Digital scams, lies, and deceits cost

By Patricia Turner-Olds (M.A.C.E.’05)

In January 2018, I received a phone call from who I thought was a Microsoft representative. I did not think much about it for I use Microsoft products. The person calling was not fluent in English; the pronunciation of words and tone of voice indicated he was from another country and even though my spirit was screaming ‘be careful’, I ignored it. I was so focused on the words, “No longer authorized to service Microsoft customers,” and a “$350 refund,” I ignored all the red flags and all that I had heard or read about technology scams. I thought it could never happen to me. It did!

Not only did I give the person on the other end access to my bank account via bank routing number, I also gave him access to my laptop password. I can no longer use my laptop because “ransomware” has been attached, and I may have to purchase a new laptop if it cannot get be removed.  In addition, I purchased and shared Target gift cards valued at $650 believing that unknown spyware was being removed from my laptop and that I was getting a Microsoft upgrade. Ignorance is not bliss; it is expensive!

Yes, I reported the incident to my bank immediately and took all the necessary steps to protect my funds, i.e., closed out and opened a new bank account with new cards; shared photographs, receipts, and copies of all information related to the scam. Nevertheless, I still received a letter from the bank in March stating that their research regarding the scam revealed that even though we transferred funds from one account to another, and often deposited additional funds in the primary checking account to cover checks written to avoid overdraft fees; the investigation could not prove a scam had occurred. The bank reclaimed their $650; I still cannot use my laptop, and may have to buy another one.

To top it all off, I still get phone calls on my land and cell phones from the same people with the same pitch. I tell them, “You have my information; just send me a check or put the money into my bank account.” To date, no check has been received and no deposit has been made. I filed an official scam report with the police department in April. But, when they call and ask, “How is your laptop?”  I lie and tell them, “it’s working fine.”

I ask God to forgive me because I know a liar will not abide or tarry in His sight and lying is a sin. I ask God to forgive them because they also have been tricked to believe it is just business. I pray forgiveness for both of us because I believe lies and deceit can cause mental anguish and/or stress, damage self-image and integrity; and, if we are not careful, engaged practices may become embodied behaviors that will feed demonic or negative thoughts and impact our physical health and spiritual development.

Jesus’ dying intercessory prayer, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” is now my prayer for myself and the scammers.  I ask God to forgive us (the scammers and me) for intentionally deceiving and lying to each other. Repenting and asking God to forgive us is living by faith and God’s undeserved blessing of grace, mercy and unconditional love.

Hear my prayer, O Lord, and grant me (us) thy peace. Amen!