Andy Cohen Thanks for Being a Scam Fighting Hero
By Digitas Photos – Andy Cohen, CC BY 2.0,
Andy Cohen announced on January 10 via the “Today Show” that he had been the victim of an intricate scam which transferred funds from his bank account. The scam occurred following the loss of his credit card. He discusses the event here:
Andy Cohen Discussing Scam
This is a perfect example illustrating the fact that, given the right time and the right circumstances, anyone can fall for a scam. Scam victims are not gullible, stupid, demented, or illiterate, as portrayed in most stereotypes. They are, as he says in the interview of himself, “smart, well-functioning members of society.”
So what happened? He lost his credit card. That’s always a bit of a stressor. He was a little bit at sea. Thus, when an email came, purportedly from his bank, he assumed it was real, and didn’t check the email address. And he didn’t hang up on the woman who called him and phone his bank, both of which this site has advised previously. He didn’t know, or he forgot about, his bank’s warnings that they never call or text you for codes. He didn’t take a breath and consider the situation. He admits to all of this in the interview.
What really occurred, though, is that Mr. Cohen is a fallible human being, just like the rest of us. He was under some stress, and his routine was disrupted by the loss of his credit card. As such, he didn’t do the things he talks about in the interview. He likely will if the situation ever arises again. But here’s the thing–he was and is a victim, whether or not he did inadvertently assist the bad guys in the commission of their crime.
What he did do, though, IMHO, is be a hero. First, he reported the crime. That’s so much more than most people do. Second, he got up in front of God knows how many viewers with a microphone and camera in his face, and talked about his experience. That had to have been tough, even on a good day, which this obviously was not.
Mr. Cohen, I’m so sorry this happened to you, if it means anything, given that you don’t know me from Eve, except I’m not wearing a fig leaf, and since you can’t see me, you don’t really even know that. But I want to express how much I appreciate your courage to do what you did. Your interviewer was right when she told you you’d helped someone today. I hope you get your money back. And I hope you never stop being courageous. May 2024 improve for you!
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