Purcell Woman Says Thieves Target Her Social Security Benefits

An Oklahoma family who depends on social security benefits said they were targeted by thieves nearly 1,500 miles away.

Cathleene Sayre sat in Purcell, Oklahoma, wondering how her debit card was used in Miami, Florida, for charges of $55 and $126 at a time.

"They're using it in Florida and they've cleaned out my bank account twice," said Sayre.

Sayre's husband's social security checks, veterans benefits checks and trucking paycheck are all direct deposited into one account.

The Sayres use an Ace Elite Netspend debit card to access those funds, but someone got their information and drained the account.

"Highly upset right now, because they've left me a whole $1.99," Sayre explained, adding that the family's next check does not get deposited until Thursday.

The Sayre's daughter, Lorna Hagerty, said she knew exactly what was happening to her parents because she went through the same thing.

"Hey wait a minute. I'm eating dinner here in Oklahoma. There's no way I could be in Florida at an ATM using my card," said Hagerty.

Hagerty said she recently dealt with stolen funds on her own card from her own account with the same card company.

"Now six months later, my mom? There's got to be other people that are being taken," Hagerty said.

Hagerty said she eventually got her $900 back. Her parents think thieves could have stolen as much as $2,000 from them and the bills are piling up while they work to get the money back.

"We've got shut off notices on our water that will be shut off tomorrow, the electric anytime," Hagerty explained.

Sayre said others should monitor their accounts closely for fraudulent activity.

"Other people who have the Ace card here in Oklahoma better start watching their card," Sayre warned.

News 9 called the card company to get some help for Cathleene Sayre. We will post the company's response once we hear back from them.