Snowbirds Living in the Philippines : Beware of a Phone Scam Asking for Money by a Closed Relative

Saturday, September 16, 2017

Beware of a Phone Scam Asking for Money by a Closed Relative

Yesterday, I received a call from a guy pretending to be my oldest grandson. His voice sounds like Ian and I listened to him for about 5 minutes. He was asking me for bail money. He said he is in the downtown jail. Here's our phone conversation I as I remember it:

Caller: Hi Grandpa?

Me: Who is this?

Caller: Your oldest grandson.

Me: Glad to hear from you. Where are you know? Are you still in Roseville. ( I thought he was calling me for a short visit), to see us. He did not response where he is calling from.

Caller: I do not like calling you but I need help right now. I am in trouble. ( He described in detail how someone framed him by putting drugs in his car. The police arrested him and he needs some bail money.)

Me: Where are you now ?.

Caller: I am in jail downtown ( did not specify if it is Sacramento).

Me: I can not drive to downtown, because no one will baby sit for your Grandma.

Caller: You do not have to go downtown just talk to my lawyer( at this time I was really getting suspicious). The caller pleaded that I do not hang up the phone as he was trying to connect me to his lawyer.

However, I did hanged up the phone. A few minutes later, the phone rang again, but I did not answer it.

Note: This morning I sent a message to Ian's Mom and inquire if Ian is OK.

I also got an note from Ian today. Hi Lolo. Everything is ok I'm fine. I'm sorry you have to deal with this. Just wanted to let you know that I love you

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About Me

David B. Katague is an online memoirist and cultural essayist whose writing has appeared on HubPages and Blogger since 2007. His work reflects a sustained interest in Filipino heritage, family history, senior living, art, community life, and the cultural meaning found in everyday experience. Through memoir, reflection, and essay, he explores the personal and historical dimensions of identity, memory, and belonging. His writing seeks to preserve lived experience while offering thoughtful commentary on the traditions, values, and social realities that shape individual and collective life. As a Filipino-American writer, he brings a distinctive cultural perspective to his work, drawing on personal experience and careful observation to create writing that is both reflective and engaging. His online essays and memoir pieces continue to document a lifelong commitment to storytelling, cultural understanding, and the written record of experience.

Joys of Retirement

I have been retired from USFDA since 2002. At first, I feel I have lost my identity as an individual or have lost my contribution to society. However, within a few weeks all these feelings were gone. It started when my wife and I started baby sitting one of our grandchildren. As some economics professor states: "Your children are your capital investments, but your grandchildren are your profits. That is why you love your grandchildren more than your children". I really agree with the statement. Retirement also gives you lots of time to do things you like to do, such as your hobbies and of course travel. In my case, I turned my hobby of gardening and landscaping into a small business in the Philippines. This endeavor was planned about five years before 2002. That year my wife and I started construction of our retirement home in Boac, Marinduque , Philippines. The next year we built a beach house, followed by a Conference Hall two years later. Needless to say, planning and executing the landscaping was a challenge and very enjoyable. With the help of local labor, I not only enjoy the time gardening and landscaping, but also help improved the economic situation of the province by providing work and jobs to the local residents. With plenty of time, I have engaged into two specific activities as follows: First, I created a website for my small business. By trial and error, I created and design the website, www.chateaudumer.com I have never been a computer nerd or expert. But with plenty of time and patience, the fruits of my labor could be enjoyed if you visit the website above. The second activity, I have not done before was to utilize on-line activities, such as shopping, paying bills ( save you stamps) and playing computer games in the Internet. I really enjoyed playing duplicate bridge on line. You play with players all over the world and can chat in between games. But be careful, you are not spending too much time in the computer. It is very addictive. With a lots of time, my wife and I devoted more time on our favorite humanitarian project. For the last 15 years, we have been involved with medical mission to the province of Marinduque. For details please visit the website: www.marinduqueinternational.org As a summary, the joy one gets on retirement is very specific for an individual. Some enjoy their free time by learning new activities, getting involved with humanitarian projects or spending more time with their grandchildren. Others hate it, since they missed their former jobs and co-workers. Others with no children still enjoy retirement by traveling, turning their hobbies into business or more community involvement. Of course those that retire and hate it, is believe to die earlier than those that enjoy their retirement years. So, plan your retirement as early as you can. The happier you are on retirement, the longer you will live.