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Woman accused of scamming man out of $33,000

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Charges have been filed against a woman after authorities say she scammed an elderly man out of more than $33,000.

Court documents state that Robert Morrissey told a Harris County Sheriff's deputy that on October 10 he was shopping at a grocery store when a woman who called herself Lisa approached him. She said she knew him from her time working at another store, and asked for his help to buy groceries, saying she didn't have any money.

Morrissey said he felt sorry for "Lisa" and paid about $150 for her groceries. He found it odd that she was parked next to him in the parking lot, and later came to believe she may have followed him home.

Morrissey told authorities that on October 14 "Lisa" showed up at his home, with two boys, ages 10 and 3, and a two-year-old girl. She told him her husband had left the country and froze their accounts, and asked Morrissey to put $500 on a prepaid credit card for her. He did so.

Three days later, "Lisa" again showed up at Morrissey's home, he said. This time she reportedly told him she had an opportunity to buy a sewing business and claimed she needed $6,500 to buy materials. He took her to his bank where he withdrew the money, and says she promised a return on his investment, even as she cautioned him not to tell anyone about their financial dealings.

According to the court documents, on at least four more occasions, "Lisa" requested more money under the guise of getting the sewing business operating. He had requested a check from an annuity fund, and gave her his ATM card along with the PIN number needed to withdraw cash.

Neighbors had noticed "Lisa's" continued presence at Morrissey's home and alerted his family members. They stepped in and helped him close bank accounts, then arranged for a meeting with "Lisa" and contacted authorities to assist by taking her into custody on an unknown offense.

The Precinct 4 Constable's Office identified her as Giget For, 30. She has a number of aliases. She has been charged with felony theft for the total amount of withdrawals from Morrissey's bank accounts totaling $33,700. Bail in the case has been set at $50,000.