Generous Kiwis have come to the aid of a 92-year-old scam victim who was left almost penniless after being ripped off by a fake tradie.
Cecily, as Seven Sharp reported last week, was left with just $2 to her name after a scammer drained her of her life savings.
But now a fundraising effort has led to an incredible $17,000 donated to her cause in just a matter of days.
An update on her story will air tonight on Seven Sharp with co-host Hilary Barry saying anyone sick of all the bad news should tune in "for something that'll warm your heart".
The scammer had knocked on Cecily's door offering to clean her gutters out and check her roof, before asking for $800 as his car had supposedly broken down.
That was the first in a string of lies that eventually drained Cecily's entire life savings – around $10,000. He has since been jailed.
"That’s it – he’s drained me dry. He’s gone," she said last week.
She had wanted to help him because he appeared to be down on his luck and "was so nice, sounded so caring and that – all promises, he’d pay me back”.
She felt "ashamed" of herself when she realised the money was gone.
Now, a Givealittle page started by Cecily's daughter has raised $17,460 – well over its stated $6000 goal.
In a post on social media, Barry thanked all who had donated.
"We had an overwhelming response from this story from our wonderful community of Seven Sharp viewers many of whom wanted to know if they could help Cecily.
"Just when you thought the world was going to ruin generous Kiwis showed what it is to care."
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