NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & SportsSuspected Swindler Targets Senior Citizens

Suspected Swindler Targets Senior Citizens

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. - Brentwood police investigating a complaint against a company suspected trying to cheat a woman out of $11,000.

"Well, she told me that they knew that we were senior citizens," said an 84-year-old woman.

She said a long-distance caller demanded immediate payment for credit card bills.

The caller knew her name, address and Social Security number.

"I knew that couldn't be right," she said.

The balance climbed from $2,000 to $11,000. The debt was reportedly charged by her late husband.

"I certainly do remember that we paid our debts," she said, adding that a company claiming to collect the debt threatened to have her arrested.

"There would be a deputy here at the door that afternoon with a warrant," she said.

NewsChannel 5 called the Atlanta telephone number in her caller ID. RSI Investigative Services insists it's legitimate. Asked about the widow's claims of intimidation, the head of public relations, Lomax Barnes said, "I know some of our agents are a bit aggressive and, just like new police officers, some abuse their authority. And that's why we have a mentor program."

"You know, people will go to all kind of extremes to try to defraud people or otherwise victimize them," said Brentwood Police Capt. Jeff Hughes.

Brentwood police call the case a scam. So does consumer watchdog Web site www.budhibbs.com.

Also, the Brentwood widow who said she is now wary of all callers.

She hopes that the caller is caught to ensure that no one else is treated the same way she was.

Hughes said another woman with a similar complaint stepped forward Tuesday morning after a different collection agency contacted her.

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The following are other resources for consumers to check on businesses and charities:

• Check a company through the BBB
• File a complaint with the BBB
• File a complaint with state Consumer Affairs
• Check a national charity