WAKE FOREST, N.C. (WTVD) -- Every day I hear from viewers who lose money to some type of scam. It breaks my heart to hear their stories, but telling their stories helps others avoid scams. In this case, it also helped bring some comfort to the victim.
It was heartbreaking to hear Arthur Norrod's story. He thought it was his lucky day when he got the call that he just won $2.5 million.
"My wife being in a nursing home and being retired...no money...81 years old, [you know] no chance of a job, so I wanted the money," said Arthur.
All Arthur had to do was pay a one-time $1,500 delivery fee. He sent the money, and from there, Arthur got deeper and deeper into the foreign lottery sweepstakes scam. Overtime, he sent $12,000 to the scammers.
John, a loyal ABC11 viewer, felt for Arthur and wanted to help.
"When I saw Arthur's story I could really relate to what he was going through. We've all been hurt and taken advantage of and trusted people," John said. "I think Arthur, at this point, just needs a smile and somebody to let him know they love him and care about him, and um, I want to be that person that helps."
John gave me a card for Arthur and I gave it to him.
"I pray you stay strong," said Arthur, while reading the card.
Arthur was touched by John's words, and also surprised by a generous check to help him through these tough times.
"I appreciate this very much, your gesture, not just the money, but the card was very meaningful and I appreciate it," Arthur said.
As for John, his message of why he helped Arthur is powerful.
"I don't want to be the guy that sees the story and walks by or the person that hides behind a veil of religion. I want to be the person that actually does something to help another being," he said.
When I asked Arthur what he would do with the money, he said he was working on a special project and if it worked out, he would dedicate it to John.
As for the scam Arthur lost $12,000 to, it's important to remember anytime you get a call, letter or email telling you you've won money and all you have to do is send them money to get your winnings, that's a sure sign it's a scam.