87 Year Old Veteran Scammed of Life Savings

I'd like to thank the GoFundMe community for your generous gifts. Robbie is overwhelmed and extremely thankful. Your generosity has allowed Robbie to continue to live in his current assisted living home. Since we started this effort, Robbie has experienced a couple health diagnosis and scares. But he stays positive for his family and everyone who knows him. For those who are not familiar with Robbie's story, please continue to read below. And thanks again for everyone's help!

James ‘Robbie’ Robinson, 87, is a United States Air Force veteran and a victim of an online scammer. Robbie lost over $200,000 of his life savings. He thought this savings would adequately provide for him in his last days. Instead, he now lives with uncertainty, depression and financial fear.

Robbie worked until he was 75 years old to save for his retirement. He joined the Air Force after graduating from Blacksburg, VA High School and settled down in California after completing his military service. It was a long way from home, but he worked hard and created a nice life. One he is very proud of. Uncle Robbie worked as a barber. His personality and hard work paid off, and after 12 years he became the owner of the barbershop. In his long life, he is most proud of his service to his country and the Viking barbershop.

Robbie did not make a lot of money while barbering, but consistently saved for his retirement, and gave back to the community that gave him so much. He was most rewarded by visiting terminally ill patients in their homes and hospice to cut their hair.

I am submitting this GoFundMe to ask for your financial help for my uncle Robbie. Your assistance would mean very much to him. And I am also asking you talk to your elderly family and friends. Our seniors are lonely, very trusting of others and not internet savvy, the perfect ‘mark’ for online conmen.

Here is a very brief description of the scam you can share with the seniors in your life. The scammer set up a fake FB account in the name of an old friend, and convinced Robbie there was easy money available from the Lions Club. (https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/blog/protect-yourself-from-scams). Throughout the scam, the fake friend kept reassuring Robbie his motivation was helping true friends, and he repeatedly described himself with religious language. One who would never do anything hurtful or illegal. Robbie had lost is his life savings before realizing the communication was not from an old friend.

Thanks for reading this. Protect our veterans and our seniors!