🏠 Trusted “Helper” Steals $2.2 Million from Senior’s Inheritance

WEEKLY SCAM ALERTS
Week of August 10, 2025

• San Mateo Police Warn of Self-Checkout Scam Targeting Seniors

• FTC Finds Imposter Scams Cost Seniors Over $700 Million

• 3 Arrested in Texas Scam Targeting Seniors

SENIOR SCAM NEWS
“Helper” Turned Thief: How Trust Was Exploited in a $2.2 Million-Dollar Embezzlement

A California man has been found guilty of embezzling more than $2.2 million from an elderly man’s inheritance, proving that not all scams involve strangers or anonymous phone calls. Sometimes, the danger comes from someone who appears to be lending a helping hand.

A jury has found Jamal Nathan Dawood, also known as “Jimmy Dawood,” guilty of embezzling over $2.2 million from an elderly man who had recently inherited property and retirement savings from his late brother.

The Setup: A Seemingly Helpful Offer

In 2019, the elderly victim faced the challenge of managing a substantial inheritance: multiple real estate properties and retirement funds left to him by his deceased brother.

Enter Dawood, a 54-year-old from Burbank, California, who offered to “help” manage the assets. He presented himself as someone the victim could trust—someone with the skills to handle complicated real estate and financial matters.

One of Dawood’s first moves was to convince the victim to open a trust account for managing the retirement savings. This account would, on paper, safeguard the funds for the victim’s benefit.

The Betrayal: Secret Transfers and Hidden Deals

Once Dawood had access to the trust account, the situation changed dramatically.

Without the victim’s knowledge or permission, Dawood began making wire transfers and online banking transactions from the trust account into accounts he controlled. He also transferred funds to people with whom he had personal or business connections.

But Dawood didn’t stop at cash. He persuaded the victim to transfer ownership of his home and his late brother’s real estate holdings into various companies—falsely claiming the victim would still have an ownership stake.

In reality, Dawood and close associates controlled those companies. The victim was left with neither the properties nor the funds from their sale.

The Payoff: Lavish Purchases with Stolen Wealth

Prosecutors revealed that Dawood used the stolen money to buy real estate in La Crescenta and Fontana, California. In total, at least $2,202,688 in cash and property was taken from the victim.

This wasn’t a one-off theft. It was a calculated, months-long embezzlement that drained the victim of his inheritance and his home.

Justice Served—Sentencing to Come

After a seven-day trial, Dawood was found guilty of:

• Six counts of wire fraud (each carrying a maximum of 20 years in federal prison)

• Nine counts of money laundering (each carrying up to 10 years in federal prison)

U.S. District Judge James V. Selna has scheduled sentencing for December 8. Dawood faces the possibility of decades in federal prison.

Lessons for All Seniors and Families

This case is a stark warning: not all predators use fake phone calls or phishing emails. Some use trust and familiarity as their main weapons.

Here are key takeaways to protect yourself or a loved one:

🔹 Never give one person full control over your financial accounts or property deeds without oversight.
🔹 Require dual signatures for large transfers from trust or investment accounts.
🔹 Consult an independent attorney before transferring ownership of property—even temporarily.
🔹 Request regular account statements and review them with a trusted friend or family member.
🔹 Be wary of anyone who pressures you to act quickly on major financial decisions.

Your Voice Could Be the Turning Point

If something feels wrong—it probably is.

Scammers and financial abusers rely on secrecy and shame to keep victims quiet. Speaking up can stop them in their tracks—and prevent others from being harmed.

📢 What To Do If You Suspect Financial Abuse

If you're over 60 or helping an older loved one manage their finances, take action immediately if you see suspicious activity:

• 📞 Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline:
  1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)

• 💻 Report online to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center:
  www.ic3.gov

• 🚔 Contact your local police department or adult protective services.

What to Include in Your Report:

✅ Names and relationships of anyone with access to accounts or property
✅ Documentation of suspicious transfers or sales
✅ Copies of property deeds or trust agreements
✅ Any correspondence or messages related to the transactions

This story is a sobering reminder that trust is earned, not assumed—and it must be backed by transparency and safeguards. Let’s stay vigilant and protect what our loved ones have worked so hard to build.