This isn't about horses or trailers, but it can effect any family.

A few years ago my wife received a call about me that changed our lives. Yesterday I received a call about my child that every parent dreads.

"This is Children's Hospital". "Your child has been in an accident and is scheduled for surgery". "We will need some information before we can admit your child". I stammered, "I'm on my way, it will take about an hour to get there". "Sir, you don't understand. This is a critical situation. Time is of the essence and we need your information now".

My body felt electrified, I was at the long end of a tunnel looking out, I couldn't take a deep breath, I had a hard time concentrating. "Mr. Gardner, how do you spell your name?" I spelled my first and last name. "What is your address?" I answered. "When were you born?" Again I answered. "Mr. Gardner, what is you social security number?".

Something clicked. "What is the name of the patient?" I asked. "Sir, I need your social security number" was the reply. I again asked the same question. There was a pause and then some stammering. I then asked "What is my son's name?"

There was some attempts to affix a name before Gardner, and I then hung up. I immediately made a call to my only child, my daughter, who was supposed to be at work. When my call went to voice mail, my anger turned to an icy chill. My daughter's first name can be confused with a boy's name, and my first name Gardner has been confused as being my last name.

I called my wife who works at the same corporation as my daughter. That call also went to voice mail. My body was sweating as I trembled with the cold. She didn't answer her cell with my second call. A few minutes passed and she called back.

I asked if she had seen our daughter this morning. The answer was no. I said," Go to her department and don't leave until you see her with your own eyes. Go to the nearest phone and call me immediately when you have". She didn't ask why, she could tell by the tone of my voice that I was very serious. A couple of minutes later, my phone rang. My daughter was safe and at work. With many emotions crashing down on my shoulders, I then related what had occured.

This whole mess was a scam to get personal information. It can happen to anyone of us over any family member. My only clues were the phrases "your child" instead of son or daughter, and the fact that the caller couldn't produce a name. The call was placed by a woman who spoke well and acted in a professional manner.

The experience will ruin your day, even without them stealing your information. Be careful.

Gard

Gard,  I want you on my team in case of an emergency,  it was amazing you could even think clearly in this situation.  And thank God your family is safe.

Gard,

New type of scam?  Sounds like a new type of scum to me.  Has your heart decended back into your chest yet? That kind of scare is enough to keep you up nights and makes you want to get your bare hands around the neck of the scammer. Glad your family is safe!

Marla

I want to thank everyone for their best wishes. My family and I are all well and have much of which to be thankful.

I would be very pleased, if this message were shared by anyone, who might be interested in protecting themselves and their family, from this sort of personal intrusion. I have received a couple of PMs asking similar questions. Yes, please do so.

If just one person can be spared the difficulty I encountered, I will be satisfied for having posted the thread. Our society is changing rapidly, and not necessarily for the better. There are those who wish to hurt us for their benefit. We have to be vigil and aware of as many dangers as possible. By sharing our knowledge, we may allow others to save themselves.

BOL  Gard