TAMPA, Fla. — It can start with a phone call, a pop-up on the computer, or even an email — scams are everywhere. 

What You Need To Know

  • Joseph Olivero says the scam started as a pop-up ad for just a few hundred dollars

  • Once the scam was over, Olivero said he'd lost $20,000

  • He is now working with financial literacy teacher Janalee Jones to get back what was taken

Joseph Olivero was on his iPad at home when a pop-up ad appeared that said there was a charge made to his account.  

“It said I bought into their program for $299.99,” he said. “That’s when I decided I need to look at this because I didn’t do that.”

Calling the number in the ad, Olivero said the company promised to help get his money back to him, but first, he needed to download an app. 

Once downloaded, he says they tried to reimburse him, but something went wrong. The scammers said he had around $20,000 of their money. 

“They added extra zeros and I couldn’t control it anymore,” Olivero said. “Then they’re telling me I’m the one who made the mistake.”

The scammers said the only way to fix the problem was to head to his bank and send them the money back. 

“You’re going to write on that check that this money is going toward a construction job in your house,” Olivero said. “That’s the only way we can get the money back.” 

While at the bank, the scammers stayed on the phone, telling him exactly what to do. Even after getting the money, they said it was not enough. 

“I said, 'I have a check already written, so is this thing over with yet?'” Olivero said. “What do you mean? You have a check. That’s not any good?” 

He went back in and sent them the money directly.

The scammers kept Olivero on the phone for hours and reached back out the next morning.

By the time he realized what was going on, his money was gone. 

For months, Olivero didn’t think there was anything he could do until he met Janalee Jones. 

She was teaching a class on financial literacy at the same facility where Olivero taught a Tai Chi class. 

Now, they’re working together to try to get back what was taken. 

“This is three months that went by with no hope at all, and this is the first time I felt relieved,” Olivero said. 

“He is just the nicest, sweetest, most caring person,” Jones said. “He deserves to be helped. He spent so much time filling the cup for other people that his cup is running empty right now.”

Since meeting, Jones helped Olivero file a police report and has contacted his bank to try and recover his money. 

Spectrum News reached out to Olivero’s bank and they sent this statement that said in part:  

“We aggressively pursue strategies to stay ahead of and monitor fraudulent crime — in any form. In this age of technology, criminals use the internet, phone calls, texts, emails, and even social media to seek victims. We urge members and all consumers to be vigilant in refusing to speak to anyone seeking your personal information and encourage everyone to monitor your account daily.”

Olivero said he hopes by sharing his story, others won’t be afraid to ask for help when they need it.