Mabel Berald’s peaceful morning took a sharp turn when the phone rang with troubling news.
The caller’s voice was urgent, warning her that her sixteen-year-old grandson, Mitchell, had been arrested after police found drugs in his car. To make matters worse, the stranger demanded $88,000 for Mitchell’s release.
Like any loving grandma, Mabel’s heart sank. Her first thought was to protect her grandson no matter what. But something didn’t feel right.
With calm and quick thinking, Mabel asked a simple question: “What’s my grandson’s last name?” That one request made the caller hang up instantly.
Still shaken, she called her son right away. To her great relief, Mitchell was safe at home, never in trouble at all.
Thanks to her clear head and cautious heart, Mabel avoided a cruel scam that could have cost her dearly.
Mabel’s frightening phone call wasn’t the first time she had been targeted. Sadly, it was her second run-in with scammers. Not long before, she had almost been tricked into taking $7,500 out of her bank after another caller claimed her grandson was in trouble.
That earlier scam was even more elaborate. A man pretending to be a police officer was involved, and they even sent a taxi to her house to drive her to the bank.
But once again, Mabel’s good sense kicked in. When the cab showed up, she asked a simple question: “Who’s paying for this ride?” The driver replied that he was. Right then, Mabel knew something wasn’t right. “I didn’t call for you,” she said firmly, refusing to get in. That decision stopped the scam in its tracks.
Mabel later shared, “I don’t know what made me think of it, but I just couldn’t go along with something that didn’t make sense.”
Her story teaches us all a valuable lesson: even when we feel scared or pressured, it’s important to pause, trust our instincts, and ask questions.
These experiences have left Mabel’s family worried for her safety, especially her son, Dave. Like so many families, he worries about how vulnerable older loved ones can be to these cruel tricks.
Through it all, Mabel’s strength and caution shine as reminders that awareness and a little skepticism can protect us—and our families—from harm.
Detective Sean Harding from the London Police knows just how tricky scammers can be. He explains that they are experts at playing with people’s feelings and making their lies sound believable.
“It’s okay to hang up,” Harding said. “Don’t talk to them. They’re professionals, and they know how to make you believe their story. They’re called conmen for a reason.”
To help protect people, Harding suggests something he calls the “Canon Two Rule.” It’s simple: if you ever get a call asking for money, take ten minutes before doing anything. In that time, talk to two people you trust—like a family member, a friend, or a neighbor.
This small step gives you a chance to calm down, double-check the facts, and avoid rushing into a bad decision. It could save you not only money but also a lot of heartache.
Mabel’s experiences show how important this kind of caution can be. While she was able to outsmart the scammers, the stress of these calls took a toll on her health and emotions. It wasn’t just about the money—it left her shaken and unwell.
Her story is a powerful reminder that scams don’t just hurt wallets, they also weigh heavily on hearts. That’s why it’s so important for families and communities to look out for one another, share tips, and encourage a healthy sense of caution.
Check out Mabel’s full story in the video below!
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