It's a wake up call for every family with an elderly relative. Con-men are now resorting to threats in their effort to extort money from senior citizens.
"They are terrible to these people, to the elderly. They scare them. They have no conscience. They just want money, money, money - that's all they want," said Sharon Hansen.
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Hansen is frustrated and angry because her elderly aunt lost more than $100,000 to thieves who preyed on her vulnerability. It all started when her aunt received a phone call after a local flood left many people homeless.
"He needed help. He needed someone to buy him a telephone and send it to his brother, so the brother could work on it and they can talk to each other," said Hansen.
Her 83-year old aunt bought a phone and sent it to the address she was given. Then, she got another call.
She got a call saying she won the California lottery for $1.4 million or whatever, but she had to pay the taxes on it first. So, she went to the bank to get $4,500," Hansen explained.
Hansen says she and her husband tried to intervene, questioning her aunt about the lottery.
"Did you go to California? No. Did you buy a California lottery ticket? No. Then what makes you think you won? If you don't play you don't win. She was just confused about it," Hansen explained.
Her aunt, a retired nurse, was so confused but continued to send more money when the con-men called.
"She bought these Green Dot cards from Walgreens. She would bring them home and give them the number," said Hansen.
When cash is put on a card and the card number is used, the cash is gone. This happened over and over again. At one point, her aunt questioned the caller - asking why they needed more money.
"They scared her and said you have to send us this money or we are going to come to your house," said Hansen.
Postal inspectors say threats are becoming more common. Many seniors, especially those who live alone, are easily frightened.
"They might go on Google Maps and get a description of their house the paint color," explained U.S. Postal Inspector Pamela Drukee. "They will give them a detailed description of the home or a car in the driveway."
Hansen's aunt is now in a retirement facility, with no phone and unfortunately, no money. Her savings were all lost in this scheme. Postal inspectors recommend you check in with older loved ones or neighbors and ask if they have received any calls from strangers asking for money. Let them know that no legitimate lottery will ever ask for fees or taxes upfront.