Shawna Perdue, a Wichita resident, fell victim to a scam involving fake Apple security claims, losing more than $5,500. The incident began when Perdue received a text message alleging suspicious activity on her Apple ID, prompting her to call a number for assistance. What followed was a series of events orchestrated by scammers posing as Apple representatives.
The caller, who sounded convincing and authoritative, warned Perdue that hackers were trying to drain her bank account. Following their instructions, she transferred money to a Venmo card and purchased $3,500 worth of gift cards from Home Depot stores. She even bought a $500 Apple gift card, believing this would secure her account.
Red Flags Overlooked
Despite questioning the unusual instructions, Perdue trusted the scammers, who sounded professional and provided plausible explanations. Only after seeing her bank statements did she realize the extent of the fraud. “They took everything,” she said, expressing feelings of violation and regret.
Perdue filed reports with the Wichita Police Department and the Federal Trade Commission but was informed that recovering the money would be nearly impossible. Since the payments were authorized, her bank could not refund the lost amount.
Community Steps In to Help
In response to the scam, Perdue’s daughter, Rhonda Chadwick, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help recover the lost funds. So far, the fundraiser has raised $4,840 from 51 donors. Chadwick thanked contributors for restoring her mother’s faith in humanity, saying, “Your thoughts, prayers, and gifts, though monetary, are priceless to us.”
Staying Safe from Scams
This incident highlights the importance of staying vigilant against phishing scams. Apple does not request payments via gift cards or contact users about account issues through unsolicited messages. Experts advise ignoring such texts, verifying suspicious claims independently, and reaching out to trusted sources.
Perdue now hopes her story will serve as a cautionary tale, helping others avoid similar traps. Scams like these prey on panic and urgency, but awareness and skepticism are the best defenses.
