This is not an AI generated concoction as I thought. I received this from a close friend yesterday, a retired CPA, and it should serve as a warning to all.
- My computer was locked by a Microsoft message. Unable to unlock by myself, I called the number and spoke with RM (253-xxx-xxxx) who gave me his Microsoft ID # MSHT1806.
- RM told me my IP Address had been compromised. He directed me to run a series of computer scans which indicated I had made a purchase from Pornhub. I assured him I didn't.
- He asked me if I had seen any unidentified activity in my checking account. I said I didn't. To be careful, he would connect me with my bank on a secure line. The phone rang, identified itself as my bank, and I went through the automated numerical menu.
- I spoke with MW (804-xxx-xxxx) who told me there was a pending $15,000 payment to Pornhub. He said it couldn't be stopped because I had approved it online.
- MW said until my computer and ny bank account were not secure, I needed to move $15,000 out of my checking account to a secure location. He said normal ATMs weren't secure. I was to withdraw $15,000 in cash and deposit it in a location he would provide.
- I was directed to a Bit Coin terminal, opened an account, and deposited the cash.
- Somehow MW determined (probably from RM) that I had a brokerage account. He accessed the account and said he would contact the brokerage.
- In the meantime, he said I should move $400,000 out of the IRA account to protect it while the account was secured. All along he said I should not tell anyone what was happening, including Bank branch personnel, my broker, and family and friends. Although I thought this was unnecessary, he persisted, and I complied.
- I had my Broker wire $400,000 to my bank account. MW then said the procedure would be to buy gold, which would be put in a secured Wells Fargo location until the account could be secured.
- He said since the FTC was aware of what was happening, the money would be put back into the IRA account, with no tax consequences, and the government would keep the gold.
- He recommended I purchase the gold from xx**** Jewelers in illionois. I arranged for the purchase and wired the $400,000. I dealt with a man named Ali (708-xxx-xxxx).
- When I received the gold from FedEx, I called MW. He said he would arrange for the pickup at my home. He said he would call me when the driver was close and gave me a description of the driver and an identifying code number.
- After the pickup was made I called MW. He said once the gold was received by my bank, all of the funds would be redeposited in each of the checking and IRA accounts within a few days.
- After a few days nothing happened. I texted him with no response. A day later I called and found that the number had been disconnected. That's when I realized I had been elaborately scammed.
- That same day I reported this scam to the Police Department. There was a follow up by a detective.