A familiar name, an urgent request, and a convincing lie can cost someone their life savings.

Scammers continue to target older adults using everything from phony investments to fake emergencies, all just to steal their money.

But a Charlotte community gathering aims to turn fear into knowledge and help seniors recognize those warning signs.

My colleague, videographer Russ Hunsinger and I bring you the story.

(keyboard clicking) (gentle apprehensive music) A familiar name appeared on Patsy Burkins' screen, (digital beep) carrying a desperate plea for help.

She trusted the message, never imagining someone had stolen her friend's identity to steal her money.

- They used her name, and I think they went to Facebook, and it had details that they probably got off of Facebook, saying that I'm hoarse, I can't talk, but, you know, I really need your help with, you know, one of her children.

They knew the name of the child and everything.

- [Dara] Patsy purchased a $500 gift card, only to discover her real friend never sent the request.

The money vanished, but the embarrassment, it lingered.

- Oh, you feel stupid.

And you think, I'm educated, you know, I pretty much know how to handle my business and whatever.

And then you have to realize you are no different from anybody else.

- [Dara] Now, Patsy shares her experience to help others avoid that same heartache.

Inside First Baptist Church-West, colorful African attire brightens the room as neighbors share laughter, music, and a meal.

But between the dancing and conversation - - What we're seeing an awful lot is government and bank impersonation.

- [Dara] A serious message captures their attention.

- Right now, we're in a moment where scam artists are taking advantage of seniors at record pace.

So we thought this would be a perfect opportunity to provide some exposure, some information, offer a system to combat that issue.

- [Dara] The church's Silver Hub gathering combines fellowship and education.

This time, Fifth Third Bank and law enforcement joined the conversation.

- North Carolina is in the top nine in the United States for these types of scams altogether.

- [Dara] Presentation slides expose bank imposters, government imposters, and tech support scams, while financial experts explain how criminals manipulate trust.

- Either through charming you or frightening you or shaming you and getting you to give them money or information, generally speaking.

What's different now is the scale and the technologies.

- [Dara] Hall warns that scammers now clone voices, disguise phone numbers, and create convincing digital messages.

Some promise romance or lucrative investments.

(bill whirring) Others impersonate bank employees or claim a loved one needs emergency cash.

(atm machine bleeps) Their common weapon: urgency that pushes people to act before they think.

- Most people are good and trust other people.

It's bad people take advantage of the goodness in people.

- [Dara] Mildred Green nearly learned that lesson the hard way.

While shopping, two strangers pointed out a lot of cash, then convinced her to help them find its owner.

The search led to another area where someone demanded money before offering help.

- I just said, "This can't be true."

So I left that location.

- [Dara] Mildred's suspicion saved her money, but that close call left her more cautious.

(phone ringing and vibrating) Now, even an unexpected phone call can raise concerns about who really wants her attention.

- Oh, yes.

I am nervous about it.

I'm aware of it.

Sometimes I don't answer the phone because they don't leave a message.

(phone dings) - [Dara] Experts urge seniors to question unexpected requests, never share banking PIN numbers, and verify suspicious calls through trusted contact information.

They also recommend daily account checks and fraud alerts to catch unusual activity early.

- If you're not sure, just stop.

You don't have to click on that link right away.

Give it a second.

Just slow down, because that gives you just those few seconds to say, "Wait a minute."

(light airy music) - [Dara] Outside the church, Fifth Third Bank brings financial education directly to the community through its mobile banking center.

Inside the eBUS, employees help visitors explore their financial options, while credit card information and one-on-one conversations offer more opportunities to ask questions.

The bus also provides free soft credit checks and other resources to help seniors better understand and protect their finances.

But even the most careful people can fall victim to fraud.

Experts encourage anyone who suspects a scam to contact their bank immediately.

Quick action may help protect their accounts or recover stolen money.

Dr.

Ricky Woods hopes those conversations continue long after the event, reminding seniors that support and guidance remain within reach.

- I want them to know that they're not living in isolation or in a silo alone.

There is ample support that's present here for them.

- [Dara] And Patsy hopes her experience encourages others to speak up without shame.

- For me personally, you know, I'm like, "If in doubt, sit it out.

Take it slow.

You shouldn't move that fast on anything.

Anybody calling you, double-check."

(upbeat music) - [Dara] As the music continues and neighbors share another laugh, Patsy's painful lesson now carries a powerful purpose because protecting a community starts when people share what they know and look out for one another.