Safeway employee rescues senior from gift card scam

[@kylepearson6723]

Something like this happened to my grandma about five or so years ago with the scammer saying that my older brother was being held by authorities in some other country. The scammer knew my brothers name and said he needs like $5,000 or so to get get him out. My grandma said I need to speak to my financial advisor which was her son, my dad. She called my dad and asked where my brother was and my dad said he's sitting right next to me. So glad my grandma still had the smarts not to fall for this.

[@RonaldoSanchez-g1y]

the fact your granny had to call in the first place? basic.

[@ampa4989]

It's not smarts. She should have wondered why some random person was calling her instead of the boy's parents. We really start getting confused when we get older. A woman who had a PhD in some science and who had worked at the White House got scammed out of over half a million by a scam caller. The ruse was laughable, but she fell for it. We have to look out for our parents and grandparents as they age and hope our children will do the same for us. Getting old can be scary.

[@AlexanderThegreat-g4y]

Interesting

[@DarkSim712]

Damn, Sophia is really pretty. Kudos to her for recognizing the situation and for being so helpful. We need more people like her.

[@andyjackson1030]

Literally dealing with this today with my mom. We need to talk about this more and openly to protect our vulnerable elderly population. I am so glad some people are taking action.

[@rock3786]

How much was she ripped off for ?

[@rezabigdeli6]

8 scammers disliked this video

[@autryld]

21 now

[@cathietonkin5577]

Love that!!!! 😝

[@viralclips7905]

This employee is a savior

[@sharpedgeize]

Sophia is a real angle, great job

[@shelbyvillerules9962]

Well she's definitely a cute.

[@flabunny1]

@@shelbyvillerules9962I saw what you did there.

[@johnnybravo6764]

She's indeed a 90 degrees girl

[@sharpedgeize]

@johnnybravo6764 my error, it should be Angel 😇

[@mycatlovesme159]

Give this Safeway employee a raise!

[@viralclips7905]

These scammers need to burn in hell

[@libyan521]

I agree

[@ernestosantos3435]

Thanks for watching....) For more information w,,h,,a..t.s..a.p.p +.4.4..7.4.4.1.4.5.1.7.2.5

[@revanvonheaven8270]

Do not be stupid and tell them to shove off

[@tealc6218]

I don't think any of them will go to Naraka, because basically they live there already

[@azv4375]

Yeah, I mean how could you steal money from the elderly or from anyone? But old people especially I mean some are figting for there lives taking 100's of pills a day that cost them thousands of dollars and all they want to do is buy a gift card to figure out someone stole $500 from them.

[@susanstancliff2937]

Thank you to all who are being prepared to help people who are being scammed and don’t realize it or what to do.🙏❤️

[@shelbyvillerules9962]

Honestly, whenever an elderly person comes into a store and tries to buy hundreds and hundreds of dollars worth of gift cards it should immediately set off a bunch of red flags. Ideally all supermarket employees should be trained specifically to spot potential victims of scams like this.

[@T1MB05L1C3]

Maybe if they got paid enough

[@christinehunter609]

They need bigger warnings signs at the gift card sections , and put a 24 hr hold on gift cards

[@DOLfirst]

Kudos to this employee! Well done 👏 and thank you

[@philipmartin708]

Sophia is beautiful in more ways than one. God bless her.

[@gailwebb9619]

A cashier at Walgreens and I helped stop an elderly lady from buying 1,000 dollars worth of ITunes cards to help get her grandson out of jail. We gently encouraged her to call her son and make sure grandson was ok....which he was. It was a scam and she was terrified for her grandson, thinking he was in jail. We both talked to her son who promised to monitor her accts for scammers. She was very grateful that her grandson was ok.....and that we stepped in to help her.

[@caelidhg6261]

my elderly cousin got scammed similarly. was told that her grandson got into a car accident and blah blah blah.. she went to buy a replacement watch (very expensive one) and she couldn't return it. Eventually she got to but had to pay a HEFTY "restocking" fee which is what I think was the scam. She had to change her numbe.r I curse anyone who preys on anyone. They are vile and I CURSE them

[@davidallen346]

These scammers are getting so clever with their methods also in many different ways online through misc phone calls, on dating apps, on many social medias. It's very alarming and scandalously devious. Like this method asking for gift cards and purchasing expensive gifts then get a prize of sorts it's very annoying

[@zesolodar]

its absolutely amazing to me people think a jail would accept gift cards. my friend use to be a cashier as well and had something similar happen. it was a job while he was in school and just so happened to be a criminal justice major. he convinced the lady to call the scammer because they said call if any questions. friend asked for the jail he was in so he could call the prison directly and confirm they were booked. also said bail usually has to be in a cash why are you asking for gift cards and if said person truly is in jail were just going to call a bail bonds company and have them take care of it for us and the person immediately hung up. saved the person about 3 grand

[@leftylou6070]

I bet the Walgreens cashier couldn't have done it without your help! You're a Super Heroine!

[@dinakarsoul]

Great pro active work like Sophia is what we need 🙏🙏🙏🙏👍🏻

[@SuaveBolo]

Wonderful cashier and lead cashier at this location are angels to the customers.

[@TheLostWorldFanChann]

Most of these *Fake Call Centers* are outside of the US, and the scammer on the phone with you will have a *VERY* heavy accent.

[@pauljackson9716]

West Africa, Jamaica and especially India are major hubs for theses scammers. They buy scripts and lists of people of a specific demographic, living in a particular country (e.g. 65+ in Australia). This allow the scammer call centers to work in shifts to reach victims in different time zones.

[@technauseated4208]

If someone tells you that they have a refund for you, it's a scam. Do not ever let them convince you to install screen sharing software on your PC. They will try to get you to log into your online bank site and then take over, editing the HTML cache, so it looks like they accidentally gave you too much money and demand you give it back... with gift cards. I've heard the IRS one a few times now. There are massive call centers in India that do this all day every day.

[@frankless4672]

It's bad enough they're scamming people but it's so much worse that it's old people that usually fall for it.

[@ernestosantos3435]

Thanks for watching....) For more information w,,h,,a..t.s..a.p.p +.4.4..7.4.4.1.4.5.1.7.2.5

[@thejrc561]

Old people fall for it because they are usually not tech savvy, lived in a different time when people were more honest, for the most part. Also the elderly are easily rattled. The brain changes as you age. It’s harder to learn new things, it can get mixed up if bombarded with too many things.

[@danutajelska3629]

Elderly are vulnerable and often fearful. I am one of them.

[@murrrr8288]

why do the employees with minimum wage have to do the job that government should be doing?

[@cathietonkin5577]

Or why aren’t internet companies, I.e google, fb or even stores not protecting our info! My cc was hatched yet again! This last one said it was a tech company, then the same named company said it was a restaurant both in England, I’m in the states! It wasn’t for much, but I’m sick of having to go through the process of getting a new cc!

[@username15yearsago52]

We need IRS, Amazon, Microsoft and these big companies to run an ad warning that they would never call about returns like these and would request gift card.

[@lmd499]

Why do old people fall for this to begin with??

[@Shermanbay]

If people weren't so gullible, the scam artists would be starving.

[@heythere2979]

Off topic, but she's beautiful.

[@robbiekop7]

For seventy nine yeah deffo 👌😏

[@karljones6896]

@@robbiekop7 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@KN-jr6tx]

@Mintberry Crunch She doesn't look a day over 78!

[@hopesalive6660]

This is so sad. And those who prey on seniors are the lowest of the low.

[@nuttyprofessor]

The Safeway cashiers and staff are guardian angels to those vulnerable seniors

[@islandgal500]

I'm a senior and have always tried to keep up with technology (although I've never had a cell phone - bad remote location without a good signal). Right at the first few words of an obvious scam call, I tell them to 'f&ck off' and hang up. No, I do not use this word except to scammers! It baffles me that this happens to seniors with their mental faculties still intact though. Are they living under a rock that they do not hear of these scams on the news, documentaries, from family or friends, or from all of the scam baiters on the internet? We also have to keep aware with surveillance video cameras with 2-way audio so we don't just open the door to people too. People are becoming less kind or caring out there and we need to be alert and informed. Be skeptical or get scammed... I'd rather be rude and apologize later if I was wrong.

[@27Killermike]

Lies

[@islandgal500]

@@27Killermike I don't even know why I bother to reply to you, but why can't you think that my statements are true, because they are! I feel sorry for someone who doesn't think that at least someone tells the truth except I do keep the F Off to a bare minimum but not when I get bothered by the same scammers for days or at 6 am. Careful... you are starting to appear to be like one of those 'people are becoming less kind or caring' I mentioned above.

[@Joel-l6u7t]

RE: training I am surprised about how often I go to a new store or restaurant where the employees have no idea how to deal with a purchase that involves a gift card. I try my best to be patient especially when I need to wait for a manager. When the employees are working at a minimum wage job, it seems that they haven’t been trained about how to sell or redeem a gift card.

[@Bluebaja]

They don’t see people ages they only see the money sign 💰

[@spankynater4242]

They definitely see their ages. That’s what they count on, them being old and vulnerable.

[@felicita568]

Bravo Safeway

[@metalrockgaming]

Im just glad stores are finally training there employees to handle the situation. Merry Christmas everyone.

[@Darci3333]

Why dont these retail stores STOP selling these gift cards period.

[@georgiamoyse1857]

I just tell the person I have to talk to my attorney first, never hear from them again.

[@BMW_DAILY]

I did this at CVS when I was 18...easy

[@yoblazeeaz7053]

Good lady

[@JosephACruz-by5dx]

When I bought a Google gift card and then I found out it was a scam. Then I was stuck for returning it no refund on the gift card. Think before you buy a gift card, but I have learned my lesson. Don't do it

[@rollandnewcomb5524]

It amazes me when these "I'm your grandson" or "your grandson" needs money and the "grandson's" name is NEVER MENTIONED. WHY doesn't their "grandparent" ask for THEIR NAME? Then if there happens to be a correct GUESS about the name doesn't the "grandparent" CALL the parent to confirm the "grandchild" is really in trouble? It should always be a clue when they say "don't tell anybody about this call." They should KNOW it's a scam. But, older people are more trusting of almost everybody and that's why they pick on the elderly, so sad!

[@Gayboy21]

Just give people real money as a gift... CASH!!! it’s that simple

[@earlgreco8636]

I commend Safeway for taking steps to protect the public and the elderly. Why did she not know to call a loved one or someone who could help? I feel for these people with all my heart. I just don't know why people are so naive, which keeps these scams going.

[@cathietonkin5577]

There is a video on here where this company here in the US, where able to get 3 scammer companies busted! So fun to watch them! If you can, check them out, show them to your seniors etc.

[@mistergamerguy]

These scammers need to be taken to the train station!

[@hratchsetrakian1692]

I work at a Safeway in Canada and always question what the gift card is for when someone asks for it. This one guy was a bit slow and said it was for his girlfriend. I had a feeling he was being scammed and told him about people pretending to be someone else to get money out of strangers. I hope I got through to him.

[@abdulraufdramani7017]

Can I talk to you in private is very important

[@donaldnye2890]

They should have a large posting at gift card locations regarding this.

[@donnaleeah5075]

I was trained in 2020 as a cashier in a large grocery store. Not saying where because we WANT our elderly to come in.

[@terrycheatham8573]

Take them cards out of the store they got to go

[@aprilsourplussweet8506]

I need a cashier to stop my mom. She won't believe me. She's still talking to the guy.

[@pauljackson9716]

Get the authorities invovled. The scammer is likely outside their jurisdiction, but they can help with educating your mom and managers of the stores and/or bank she frequents.

[@mitchmiller7204]

@aprilsourplussweet8506. If your Mom is elderly and isn't using good judgment with being contacted over the phone or by e-mail, it might be time to seek financial power of attorney to monitor your Mom's assets. My sister had to do that with my parents after our Dad was scammed out of $2000 in gift cards. After that point, she got pinged every time on her phone when our parents would spend $100 or more. In a couple of years, she started paying their bills (now being on their checking account). Unfortunately, my Dad died without having that money ever being recovered.

[@haroldgamble9781]

Great job by the employee. Perhaps stores that sell gift cards could create signage warning and educating potential purchasers about scams and suggesting that they talk to a store manager if they’ve been threatened with negative consequences of any kind for seeking more information about a potential purchase.

[@rogerszmodis]

People are stupid. Wow.

[@RobertWGreaves]

The training is not enough. Any place that is selling gift cards should have a policy of clear signage that explains briefly the scam. And anyone purchasing more than $100 worth of gift cards should have the checkout clerk mention to them the scam. The very people on whom this scam is working are not going to check it out.

[@carolcornell6332]

My older sister tried to scam this way .. terrible,

[@QuangTran27]

I need a Sophie at my Safeway

[@adamben-shimon7513]

Those fucking people that are scamming those poor people are heartless.

[@HumAnimalTammy]

My sister just told me that she spent $725 on a scam saying they were spectrum and they needed that money from a Target promotion and they told her not to tell Publix what the cards were for so should the cashier lady at the customer service ask what all that was for and she said it was for a wedding I can't believe my sister fell for that!! Then they called her back for more cards and money and they said cause the numbers weren't working. Then she finally caught on

[@davidsundquist1845]

I have been scammed many times. DO NOT BUY GIFT CARDS. just say no

[@johnnymcneal5914]

I would never fall for something like that cuz I know for a fact that cops would never try to strong arm you into paying such large amounts of money by buying gift cards I would just simply call the real cops and tell them what's going on

[@pauljackson9716]

Improved policies and training is needed! Our most vulnerable are being scammed out of life savings, and we are aiding the scammers. First question, "are you on the phone with the person requesting the gift card?". Second question, "what company or government agency is requiring the gift cards?". A simple form with a checklist could go a long way, in solving this problem. The scammers know that this is a crime of high reward with little to no consequeces if caught. As such, the demand for the crime has to be address. Regrettably, 2022, and this gift card nonesense is still lucrative for the scammers.

[@denciolombos2510]

Elderly heading straight to gift cards section nervously. Redflag

[@MrClipper500]

Happened to me elderly Brother. American Express is taking advantage of these types of Scams. My brother was involved in a scam where 2K in gift cards were frozen. I called AMEX and started an ownership dispute. He has the Cards and Receipts for purchase. A worked with them for three months and provided a great deal of documentation. Bottom line AMEX refused to refund my brothers 2K. Complained to the Federal and State Attorney General with no results. Small potatoes for them I guess. The internet is littered with AMEX Gift Card Complaints. I am now looking to find an attorney that will entertain a Class Action Lawsuit against American Express.

[@markwigdor7505]

Gift cards need to be banned from the stores permanently

[@danielgodfrey4415]

Start requiring cashiers verbally ask if the gift card is for personal use or gift. Then refuse the sale if its for anything else. And gift cards can only be used in your region of purchase. I know it may be a pain in some cases. With tracking.

[@sherryd3299]

This lady needs to be under a conservatorship. She is too easily tricking with stupid stories.

[@patriciaholt9227]

These people claim to be healers or help you with your worst problems

[@pauljackson9716]

Today, they claim to be representatives of large corporations (ig. Nortons, Amazon, Microsoft), or a govenrment agency like the IRS or Social Security.

[@prieten49]

At this point, I don't see any legitimate need for gift cards. They should be banned.

[@AnnaWitte-f8f]

I played with a scammer the other day they ended up blocking me

[@Socialwolfe]

I am ashamed to be from india where most of these scam calls are made! Cheating innocent people.

[@azurazdandaridae9158]

Sophia is gorgeous. However, I must have missed the explanation as to how this scammer was able to force her to buy gift cards. Please enlighten us so we can avoid being scammed?

[@brucefread3014]

If you get a call and don't recognize the number, don't answer. If it's a scam they won't call again, if it's real they will call again.

[@garyacker7388]

My mother in law got took for 5000.00 bucks to get her son supposedly out of jail. Oh, I guess that I shouldn't send money to you young lady who loves me dearly eh. I really love her with all my heart.

[@jacquesmesrine3244]

Good on Sophia for helping the lady! Is she single? 😃

[@359mmm]

Es muy facil para trabajadores que te Robin tu identidad y perjudicarte en muchas diferentes maneras

[@Singleuntilmarried]

Bryce Dallas Howard ?

[@MJYouAreNotAlone1]

🙏❤️

[@garrettandrest9562]

I guess I’m in the wrong business time to start scamming.

[@robertbrown7917]

good job

[@morganflaherty9552]

I frequently get asked why am I buying so many gift cards my personal reason is that Amazon works easier than debit card banking and all that stuff if I buy the gift cards then make the purchase otherwise it bounces around in my account and causes me to overdraft my account

[@dJ.kNiGhT23]

They need to stop selling Visa gift cards I bought a vanilla Gift cards a $100 I luckily spent $50 but the other $50 someone else took it out I was like 😒 this needs to stop

[@ms.carlettawilson1522]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@danielgodfrey4415]

I would love to see a reverse gift card where you get a gift card, make an account. When the scammers redeem the card. It empties the scammer's account and goes to the victim.

[@karicewillis]

That would be REALLY cool. Pleasant Green, a Scambaiter on KZbin got a scam call asking him to put $250 on a Vanilla gift card. Pleasant Green acted like he was stupid and bought himself a DQ gift card for $250 because DQ gift card has a picture of vanilla ice cream on it. He told the Scammer he bought a DQ gift card because it had a picture of vanilla ice cream on it. The Scammer was SHOCKED! 🤣

[@MilaIncomio]

What is gift card

[@myhappymemories2029]

Just recall all the giftcards and remove them off store shelves so this doesn't happen again. Until the scammers are locked up. Because I was victim of a giftcard scam too for about 5 years. I lost a lot of money. It was a girl who I met on Instagram. And for now on, I don't ever do online dating again. I also blocked their accounts so they don't ask me for no more money. They reason why they did that to me, it's because they know that I'm disabled.

[@dtecum]

Unfortunately people are gullible.

[@paulnegoita8248]

Jim Browning KZbin Channel

[@BrandonvanMeeteren]

Sophia, are you single?

[@rosedavila3547]

We have 2 help people any way we can

[@27Killermike]

Sooooo steal from old? Interesting

[@christianedriesen1624]

Kitboga scambaiting

[@spankynater4242]

The scammers were going to close each and every account that was in her name, And then send her to the goat house.

[@emeraldkimble7602]

I get cards I don’t load them numbers are legit unloaded thryget nothing outta me

[@LifePlayDream]

Sophia is my gf but she doesn't know it yet

[@ellemontgomery1037]

Gift cards shouldn’t be easily accessible to seniors.

[@spicerc1244]

Can somebody scam me so Sophia can help me 🥵

[@spankynater4242]

If you give me $300, I will tell you each and every thing about how to get in contact with her.

[@teishagonzalez1545]

I’m get this call also but I know it a scammer

[@fredm.2699]

Old lady had a problem and it didn’t occur to her to call any of her children, in laws, or grandchildren or neighbors. The world we live in!

[@akan626]

A senior for Trump.

[@randytouchet4207]

That is why I don’t answer the phone if I don’t know the number

[@spankynater4242]

Imagine if you had been around before caller ID. You would have been paralyzed with fear every time your phone rang.

[@amberlopez7477]

She's an outstanding White women. God bless her. Amen...

[@chrisnichols1862]

Are most white women not outstanding? Lol

[@amberlopez7477]

@@chrisnichols1862 Yes, I agree. Most white people are outstanding. That's why America is the greatest county in the world.

[@aaronramirez2610]

The cashier need to mind there own business, if people want to buy gifts cards, then let them.

[@Jameswilllee]

Almost makes you glad about the pandemic outbreak in India

[@ZZ-ly1jf]

God bless you, Sophia and the staff at Safeway. Thank you for looking after our elderly.❤

[@jamestan4590]

I give props to this young woman you're a hero.❤