‘You’re Never Going To See Your Money Again,’ Investigator Tells Scam Victims

Mark says that Lori, his wife and business partner, has given away more than $530,000 to scammers who convinced her that she needed to send them money in order to receive a federal Covid-19 business assistance grant. He says he’s taken away Lori’s phone and internet access, changed their banking information, and has filed for conservatorship over his wife, who has been diagnosed with dementia. Lori admits to having memory problems but says she doesn’t understand why it’s necessary for Mark to have conservatorship. She also admits that she “may” have been scammed because she never received the money she was promised by the people who told her they were part of a government grant program. “The government will never reach out to you to tell you ‘I have a grant for you,’” says George Mueller, who previously served as Assistant Chief, at the Bureau of Investigation for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. “It breaks my heart to tell you this,” he tells Mark and Lori, “but you’re never going to see your money again.” Watch Friday’s Dr. Phil, From Bowling Alley Owner to Being Scammed Out of $530,000,” to hear more about fraud and how to identify and avoid potential scammers. Check your local listing for airtimes. WATCH: ‘I Have To Shut Down Her Credit,’ Says Man Seeking Conservatorship Over Wife Who Gave $530k To Scammers TELL DR. PHIL YOUR STORY: Want Dr. Phil to investigate a situation or possible scam?