Retired Holly police sergeant, 82, loses $14,000 after calling for TV help

A retired Holly police sergeant spent years warning people about scams. In late August, he says, he fell for one.

The 82-year-old Holly man, identified by WDIV only by his first name, Clark, told the station he lost about $14,000 after calling for help setting up a new Vizio television he bought at Walmart.

What happened

Clark told WDIV he called the Grand Blanc Walmart for setup help and was transferred to a man who called himself "Steve" with "Vizio security."

The caller got Clark's ID and Social Security number and remote access to his phone, believed to be through the AnyDesk app, according to WDIV. Clark said he bought about six $500 gift cards, and his accounts were drained.

He has since recovered about $11,000, and Apple is helping with the remaining $3,000, WDIV reported.

Holly police are investigating. Police told WDIV it is not yet clear how Clark was connected to the scammers, and he may have been routed through an automated system. Walmart said it is aware of the report and is looking into it.

"If there's any doubt in your mind, hang up immediately," Clark said.

Tougher penalties now in effect

New Michigan laws aimed at gift-card fraud are now in effect, CBS Detroit reported Oct. 7. The laws carry penalties of up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. State Rep. Mike Harris, R-Waterford, is one of the sponsors.

How to protect yourself

• Real tech support and "security" departments will never ask you to buy gift cards.
• Don't install remote-access apps such as AnyDesk at a stranger's request.
• Look up customer-service numbers yourself on the manufacturer's official website or packaging.
• If you think you've been scammed, call your bank right away and report it to your local police department.

This story uses reporting from WDIV/ClickOnDetroit and CBS Detroit.