The Scammer

I read an interesting article in the Washington Post the other day. It told the story of Jean, a 73-year-old retired 911-dispatcher who lives on Long Island. She got a phone call one day from someone claiming to be her grandson. He was in jail for drunk driving and needed help posting an $8,000 bond. Well, Jean knew immediately the person was a scammer because none of her grandchildren even drive! But she decided to play along and see how it turned out. After several phone calls, she told him to have his bail bondsman come to her house and pick up the money. She then called the police. When the man showed up, she handed him an envelope stuffed with paper towels. As soon as he walked away, the police ran after him and arrested him.

Unfortunately, scamming senior citizens is a 3-billion-dollar business for criminals. I’m glad that Jean was able to spot the scam and take at least one of those criminals out of business. These scammers remind me of another scammer, however, who targets all of us. The Apostle Peter put it this way: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). He may not call you up on the phone asking for $8,000, but he is always just a thought away, whispering suggestions into your ear. Don’t fall for his scams! Immediately call the Heavenly Police for back-up - after all, He’s only a prayer away.