A Cypress woman recounts losing $90,000 in an elaborate scam involving a fake federal agent.
HOUSTON — A Cypress woman says she lost $90,000 after what started as a computer pop-up warning turned into a weeks-long scam involving a person pretending to be a federal agent.
Cindy Finney says she was already in a vulnerable place after losing her husband and selling her home when the scam began.
“I was just in a very, very vulnerable and depressed state,” she said.
Finney says a pop-up appeared on her computer warning that her device was infected. She called the number provided and was told to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission. About an hour later, she says she received a call from someone claiming to be an FTC agent.
“He had seen my report, but I was already under investigation anyway for money laundering, criminal activity and possible terrorist affiliations. I lost my mind. I was terrified,” Finney said.
She says the calls continued for about two weeks, during which the scammer sent what appeared to be official documents. Finney says she was told her Social Security number was tied to multiple bank accounts, businesses, and criminal activity — and that she needed to move her money into a “safe account.”
“So I lost that money,” she said.
Finney says she only realized she may have been scammed after talking with her sister. By the time she went to her bank a few days later, she says she was told the money could not be recovered.
“It devastated me,” she said.
Finney says the total loss was $90,000.
“Which to me, that’s like a million. It was devastating,” she said.
According to AARP Texas, scams like this are becoming increasingly common. The organization says Texas residents reported more than $1.35 billion in scam-related losses last year.
Lisa Rodriguez, AARP Texas state director, says most scams share similar warning signs.
“Pause, reflect and really start protecting yourself,” she said.
Rodriguez says common red flags include unexpected contact, heightened emotions, and urgent requests for money.
When asked about recovery, she said, “Slim to none, unfortunately.”
Finney says she has reported the scam and is now speaking out in hopes of preventing others from falling victim. She also says she plans to travel to Washington, D.C. next month to testify about the impact scams have on older adults.
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