The Brief
- A Pierce County woman lost approximately $117,000 to an elaborate phone scammer impersonating a Wells Fargo fraud agent while caring for her husband in hospice.
- The scammer manipulated her into withdrawing cash, obtaining loans, and depositing funds into external accounts via QR codes while isolating her from bank employees under the pretense that tellers were involved in the fraud.
- Facing bounced payments, potential utility shutoffs, and an uncertain financial future, the woman has reported the fraud to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and started a GoFundMe to help cover expenses.
PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. – A Pierce County woman says she lost about $117,000 to an elaborate phone scam while caring for her husband in hospice, leaving her uncertain how she will pay her bills after the man she has cared for through years of declining health dies.
Charlotte Tripp said the scam unfolded at what she describes as the worst possible time in her life. Her husband of 17 years, who has dementia, recently entered hospice care after suffering a rapid decline following hip surgery and a urinary tract infection.
“Basically, he can go any day now,” Tripp said. “I’m trying to concentrate more on my husband to give him the time he needs.”…