Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A Colorado Springs senior named Elinor Makings reached out to local news station KOAA5 with concerns about receiving suspicious emails that claimed fraudulent activity on her accounts. After being featured in a news segment, Makings met with Brad Lynch, a former FBI agent who now works as the Director of Fraud Investigations at Ent Credit Union, to get advice on how to handle the persistent scam attempts.
Why it matters
Seniors are often targeted by fraudsters, and this story highlights the importance of educating the public, especially vulnerable populations, on how to recognize and respond to potential scams. The guidance provided by the former FBI agent can help empower other seniors to protect themselves.
The details
Makings had been receiving repeated emails claiming suspicious activity on her accounts, such as the purchase of an iPhone. Unsure of what to do, she reached out to the local news station for help. KOAA5 then connected Makings with Brad Lynch, a fraud expert, who provided practical tips on identifying scam emails, such as hovering over links to see the true source, and the importance of not acting alone and instead seeking help from a trusted friend or family member.
- Makings first reached out to KOAA5 with her concerns in March 2026.
- The news segment featuring Makings aired in March 2026.
- Makings met with Brad Lynch, the fraud expert, shortly after the news segment aired.
The players
Elinor Makings
A Colorado Springs senior who was receiving suspicious emails and sought help from the local news station.
Brad Lynch
A former FBI agent who now serves as the Director of Fraud Investigations at Ent Credit Union, which is becoming Wings Credit Union.
KOAA5
The local news station that covered Makings’ story and connected her with the fraud expert.
What they’re saying
“Can I just cancel that thing? Will that stop all the emails, or are they still going to come?”
— Elinor Makings, Colorado Springs Senior
“If you take your mouse and hover over the link in an email, it will show exactly where it’s coming from.”
— Brad Lynch, Director of Fraud Investigations, Ent Credit Union
“Have a trusted buddy or a friend… because a lot of times what these fraudsters are trying to do is isolate you.”
— Brad Lynch, Director of Fraud Investigations, Ent Credit Union
“If their story makes you go, ‘wait a minute, that doesn’t make sense,’ then slow down… that flag should go up in your mind.”
— Brad Lynch, Director of Fraud Investigations, Ent Credit Union
What’s next
Makings plans to continue working with the fraud expert at Ent Credit Union to further protect herself from scams and educate other seniors in her community.
The takeaway
This story highlights the importance of empowering seniors to recognize and respond to potential fraud attempts. The guidance provided by the former FBI agent can serve as a model for how to effectively educate and support vulnerable populations in the fight against scams.
Click Here For The Original Source.
