Chicago Tribune

After retired Chicago-area priest loses life savings in scam common among seniors, friends and parishioners step up

Retired priest Robert Banzin, who was the victim of a PayPal financial scam, at his Chicago home Oct. 31, 2023.

The Rev. Robert Banzin had saved up about $61,000, which he planned to use to replace his 20-year-old car and pay for medication and other expenses. But these plans are now on hold.

The 85-year-old retired Catholic priest was robbed of his life savings in a financial scam, which friends and colleagues, who say he’s a “wonderful” and “positive” influence, are helping replenish through fundraising.

Experts warned that these types of scams are common among senior citizens and shared tips to help avoid it.

“I just felt totally abused,” Banzin said. “This is my money; I worked all my life for it.”

Banzin said the ordeal started on

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