I had family members take me for thousands of dollars. Family members. One relative faked an illness for nearly 20 years in order to get others to supplement their lifestyle/needs. Because of my proximity, I was taken for more than most. Not because I’m stupid, but because I genuinely believed they needed the help. Plus, there were extenuating circumstances involving the added care of a handicapped relative that I could not, in good conscience, turn my back on. The two were a combo deal. You couldn’t help one without the other.

So, see, anyone can be a con artist and anyone can be a victim of financial scams.