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Harry Gross: Blind woman's nephew forged his check to steal $20,000

DEAR HARRY: I have a very serious problem, and I need your help. I trust you completely. I am 91 and have been blind for many years. My clerical work is being handled by a young lady who was recommended by my CPA.

DEAR HARRY: I have a very serious problem, and I need your help. I trust you completely. I am 91 and have been blind for many years. My clerical work is being handled by a young lady who was recommended by my CPA. She has full power of attorney over my checking account and she does a super job. Yesterday, she reconciled my checking account, and came to me with terrible news. My nephew, whom I help financially on an irregular basis, kited one of my checks. I had authorized a check for $1,000, and he kited it to $21,000. It was so well-done that my bank never caught it. If I go to the bank, I'm certain they will go after him and probably seek criminal action. If I go to him, he'll have all kinds of excuses together with a pitiful crying spell that will make me feel guilty. He's done this before when I tried to refuse to give him money. I don't want him to go to jail, but he has gone far enough. My helper has told me that I have given him more than $200,000 (not including the present extra $20,000). I receive my deceased husband's SS, and I have investments of about $1.5 million to last my lifetime. I can afford to take this loss. He is my only living relative. Harry, please answer as if you were my brother.

WHAT HARRY SAYS: He may be thinking that he's getting "his inheritance" early, but this is not the way. I suggest that you call him and tell him that you know what he did. Tell him further that you never want to hear from him again. Refuse him entrance to your home. Reconsider the provisions of your will. I would not report him to the bank or the authorities.