HOUSTON, TX – A Houston resident, who immigrated from Vietnam nearly five decades ago seeking a brighter future, now faces the devastating aftermath of an elaborate scam that drained his entire life savings and threatens to leave him homeless. The 65-year-old victim, known as Khiem Nguyen, shared his story in hopes of warning others about the dangers of elder fraud.
Nguyen’s ordeal began last December when he answered a phone call that appeared to be from the Vietnam Embassy. The caller claimed Nguyen’s identity was being used overseas for criminal activities, including money laundering. To clear his name, Nguyen was instructed to wire funds, purportedly to government authorities. The scammers used an encrypted messaging app, Viber, to communicate, sending official-looking documents and instructions for transferring money.
Over the course of five months, Nguyen sent more than $500,000 to the fraudsters, unwittingly depleting his life savings. “I thought I was doing the right thing to protect my family and myself,” Nguyen said. “Now, I’ve lost everything I worked for.”
Nguyen’s daughter, Cathy, described her father’s dedication to providing for their family since moving to the U.S. “He worked tirelessly to give us a better life,” she said. “Watching him go through this is heartbreaking.”
The Nguyen family is now struggling to make ends meet, with Cathy stepping in to help her father navigate the financial fallout. “It’s a nightmare,” she said. “We’re trying everything we can to keep our home.”
Elder fraud is a growing concern nationwide. According to FBI data, such schemes resulted in $3.4 billion in damages in 2023, marking an 11% increase from the previous year. The agency urges vigilance, reminding families to discuss potential scams with older relatives.
Nguyen and his family have reported the incident to the FBI, joining many others in the fight against elder fraud. Cathy Nguyen advises others to remain alert and protect their loved ones. “Talk to your parents and grandparents,” she said. “Make sure they know scams like this exist.”
For those who have fallen victim to similar schemes, resources are available. The National Elder Fraud Hotline offers support and guidance to help victims navigate the aftermath of fraud.