A Cruel Scam Took Mum’s Savings — Your Kindness Can Help Restore Her Independence
A scammer stole my 92-year-old mum’s savings, leaving her devastated & without independence; though he’s been jailed again, her money's gone
Auckland
My 92‑year‑old mum spent years carefully saving so she could stay independent for as long as possible. She knew she would soon need mobility aids and wanted to be prepared. But a scammer gained her trust, emptied her account, and took everything she had put aside.
He’s been jailed again, but none of the money will be repaid. She was left feeling ashamed, unsafe, and heartbroken.
We’re asking for help to give her back comfort, confidence, and freedom. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a real difference. If you’re unable to donate, sharing her story helps raise awareness and may protect someone else from falling victim to elder scams.
Please look out for the older people in your life.
Talk to your parents and grandparents about scams.
Keep an eye on elderly neighbours.
If something feels off, reach out to family or authorities.
Your vigilance could spare someone else this pain.
You can read the full story here:
Thank you for helping us rebuild her independence and restore her sense of safety.
Wendy Whitten's involvement (page creator)
She is my mother, and as her only surviving child of four, after she devoted eight years to caring for my terminally ill brother and being a loving grandmother to her two grandkids, I’m now doing all I can to support her.
Use of funds
towards a lift chair
Purchase a mobility scooter
Home security cameras
Other page links
Latest update
Our story is on Seven Sharp - Speaking Out to Protect Others! 15 April 2026
Tonight (Wednesday 15 April), Mum’s story will be shared on Seven Sharp.
This wasn’t something she wanted to do, but she chose to speak out to help raise public awareness about scammers who deliberately target elderly people.
We are incredibly proud of her courage and strength. Her hope is that by sharing her experience, it might help protect others from going through the same ordeal.
We also want to acknowledge the Seven Sharp team, who were kind, respectful, and wonderful to work with throughout the process.
If there’s one small thing we encourage everyone to do, it’s this: please check in on your elderly whānau, neighbours, and friends. Have open conversations about scams, offer support with online or financial matters, and remind them that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
Thank you all for the continued support, messages, and generosity. It truly means so much to our whānau.
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