Help the Heward kids recover savings from fraud

Hello, 

In early June 2022, my parents and four siblings became victims of a highly sophisticated fraud case where they lost most of their life savings.

Three experienced con artists worked together, portraying themselves as holding top-level fraud department titles with Capital One, where my family’s accounts were being held. The scam was a comprehensive plan that went on for over six weeks. To gain trust and build a relationship with my family, they promised to protect their funds from all possible & potential fraud after a minor scare in one of my sister's savings accounts.

Come to find out, the “Capitol One Fraud Department representative” who had been primarily helping them was the leading con artist of the crime. They hacked into my parent's computer and took most of their retirement and kid's savings. A significant chunk of money was stolen overall, and the kid's savings totaled about $40,000.

Reports have been filed with the authorities, including the FBI. As far as we know, none of it can be reimbursed. We hope they catch these criminals with the information my parents could provide. Naturally, they had to freeze, close, and open new secure bank accounts and get new driver's licenses/identification cards. This loss sucks, and as you can imagine, the aftermath (recovery time & processes) only adds to the loss-making it worse than it already is. 

My parents have worked tirelessly to build their savings up to where it was; they are some of the most selfless, caring, and good-hearted people you’d ever meet. Yet, they would never ask for financial help to recover from this heavy loss, so I am asking for them. 

My four innocent siblings are all respectful, sweet, hardworking teenage kids who have saved almost every dollar they’ve earned for their futures. Unfortunately, the fraudsters knew they were stealing from young adults, two of whom have jobs and recently graduated from high school. This part hurts my parents the most, which is why this GoFundMe is primarily for them.

The $40k I am trying to raise for them isn’t even close to the total amount stolen but can significantly help recover the portion taken from my sibling's savings combined, at least. Recovering that alone would mean so much to us all. If you’ve been a fraud victim or affected by any scam, you know the emotional toll it takes on you. Especially when the scale of the loss involves your whole family’s future, not to mention the depression that comes from being so violated. Since 2020 there has been a 70% increase in fraud cases reported by consumers. 

I kindly ask friends, family, and anyone who can help; to donate towards this unexpected and unfortunate situation. I know times are tough for most right now, but if you’re in any position to contribute, please do. If only a quick share on your social accounts is doable, we appreciate that too!

On behalf of my entire family, thank you so very much. Your time, consideration, and care are appreciated more than you know. My parents would be embarrassed and hesitant to accept any financial help, but helping the kids would mean the world to them and means the world to me. Truly, thank you.