Timber and Trust 1

In this inaugural episode of 'Timber and Trust: The Raines Legacy Unraveled,' we delve into the roots of the Raines family's timber empire, established by Ralph Raines Sr. in the lush forests of Oregon. As we explore his visionary rise in the early 20th-century timber industry, we also uncover the foundational layers of trust and ambition that would later shape his family's dramatic journey. Alongside the tale of entrepreneurial spirit, we introduce critical advice on protecting our seniors from financial scams, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and informed oversight in safeguarding the vulnerable. Join us as we lay the groundwork for a story of legacy, deception, and the crucial balance between trust and caution.

Transcript

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The sun hasn't yet risen over the sleepy town of Gaston, Oregon. But in a small cluttered office, the light has been on all night. Papers or strewn across the desk. And on the computer screen. A bank account balance flashes, ominously low. Ralph Raines Jr. Sit slumped in his chair, a man defeated. Staring blankly at the screen. His hand trembles slightly as he reaches for the cup of coffee that has long since gone cold. It's March, 2014. And the day Ralph has feared is finally here. The empire, his father built. The legacy he was sworn to uphold. Is crumbling. The truth is clear, unavoidable. And Ralph has been deceived betrayed by someone he trusted implicitly. And now the Raines family faces ruin how did it come to this? To understand, we need to go back. Back to where it all began. with a man named Ralph Raines Sr. A visionary with a love for the Oregon Timberlands. And he dreamed that would span generations. Mm hmm Mm hmm Mm hmm Mm hmm Mm hmm Mm hmm Our story starts in the early 20th century. When Ralph Raines Sr. First laid eyes on the vast forest of Oregon. Back then the tree stood tall and proud and the possibilities seem, they seemed endless. Ralph Sr was a man of the land. A man with plans ralphRaines. sr purchases land. an our west of Portland, Oregon, and starts the Raines family tree farm. in the 1950s. The farm, which was planted by Ralph Raines sr was a staggering 1200 acres. with tree's worth up to a thousand dollars each. It was a sustainable farm and they only cut a portion. And replant it. So the business would go on forever. So the farm was open to the public for hiking and enjoyment. No one loved the farm more than Ralph Raines Jr. Ralph Jr. Is the only child of Ralph Sr and his wife, Helen. Ralph junior was raised on the farm. He is described as smart. But gullible. Somewhat socially awkward. And naive. Raines. Was the air to the fortune and the business. Ralph Sr served in the military as a pilot before becoming a tree farmer. Businessman and millionaire. All the Raines loved tree farming. Ralph Sr I mean, all the business decisions and ran the farm. Helen ran the household and Jr. Took direction from his dad. Ralph junior love the trees and that's the part of the business that he thrived in. In 2001, Helen Raines passed away when Ralph Jr was 54 years old. Ralph junior lost his mother and his father was growing older. He was never married, never in a relationship. And he yearned for human connection. In addition to the trees, Ralph Jr. Has a strong interest. In the psychic realm, the paranormal. Well attending a tree conference in bend Oregon in 2004. fate led him to a psychic shop. Run by Rachel Lee. Then the 57 year old Ralph Jr. Got his Palm read and shared. With her, his one desire. He wished to be married and to have a family of his own. Rachel tells Ralph Jr. That she thinks she could help him. And she would love to see his place. Ralph Jr says he would love to show it to her. They arranged for her to come to the tree farm. And she does. It doesn't take a fortune teller to see that the land is worth a fortune. Rachel Lee sees dollars and immediately hatches a plan. Imagine a character straight out of a soap opera part fortune teller. Part modern day pirate without the parrot. Eyepatch. Rachel Lee could read a room better than she could read the stars. Turning a mystic insight into a full fledged goldmine. Dubbed as a psychic. Who could see everything except the line between right and wrong. She had an uncanny ability to spot a wallet from a mile away. And more tricks up her sleeve, then the magician at a children's party. Her crystal ball must have been on the Fritz. Because she never saw a law coming. Ralph Raines junior. Was hardly Rachel Lee's first victim. Her previous acts included a medley of minor cons. Suggesting she practiced long and hard in the minors. Before stepping up to the major leagues with Ralph Raines Jr. Indeed for Rachel manipulation was more than a skill. It was an art form, she is a master of the sweetheart swindle. Using the promise of love to isolate a lonely man and hijack his financial life. Ralph Jr. Has access to his own money. And in the first two years of their relationship, if you want to call it that. He is happy to share it with Rachel Lee. The woman who is helping him find love. Ralph Jr. Gives her cash jewelry. And a Hummer. And then on Valentine's day of 2006, Rob junior pays$915,000 for a four bedroom, 4,600 square foot house in the Hills above Portland. Rachel Lee convinces Ralph, that the home would be a good investment for him. Lee furnishes the home. Using Ralph Junior's money. Of course. And lives there. Rent-free. With her and her family members. Including her husband. Blancy Lee. When Jr buys the house the scam is just heating up. And it's getting hotter. When in October, 2006. Rain's father Ralph Sr.. Suffered a stroke. Leaving his son with two matters he was too ill-equipped to handle. Uh, the first operating the financial end of the tree farm. And the second providing care for a man who was dying. Ralph shares this information and confides with Lee that he's in need. Of someone to take care of his father and help him run the business side of the tree farm. And she immediately turns up the scam. Using a lie about having care for her dying husband to her advantage. Yes, the same one that's living in the house in the Hills, in Portland. Rachel Lee persuades Ralph to hire her as a caregiver for Ralph Raines Sr. At an enormous rate of$9,000 a month. She tells Ralph Jr. That she knows a lot about how to run a business and he allows her to become the bookkeeper for his father himself and the tree farm. With access to the books. Rachel Lee sometimes pays herself two and three times per month. So what type of care is Ralph getting? Many times he was dirty and on showered. To avoid scrutiny. Rachel brings Ralph Sr to live with her in her home. that Ralph Jr. Purchased. Rachel, doesn't give Ralph Sr a bedroom. He now lives in a bed in the hallway. With a few people watching Lee it's to business. Tune next week. When Ralph Jr. Finally gets what he has wanted for years. A wife and a child. Guardians of trust, protecting our seniors. As we close today's chapter. On the beginnings of Ralph Raines Sr., timber empire, we were reminded oh, the vulnerabilities that can accompany even the most seemingly secure fortunes. It's crucial to remain vigilant, especially in protecting our seniors from potential scams. Here are a few key strategies everyone should consider to help safeguard the finances and wellbeing of the elderly in our communities. Number one is regular communication. Keep regular contact with elderly family members. Open and frequent communication Hills to reduce their isolation. It conditions scammers often exploit and allows you to spot any sudden or unusual changes. in their behavior or financial situation. Number two educate about common scams Educate yourself and your elderly loved ones about the most common types of scams. Information is power. Discuss how these scams work. And remind them never to share personal and financial information. Over the phone or online with strangers. Number three. Encouraged skepticism. Encourage a healthy level of skepticism in your elderly family members. Remind them that it's okay to say no. Hey up the phone or delete any email. Uh, legitimate businesses and government agencies will not use high pressure tactics to ask for sensitive information unexpectedly. Number four. Set up financial safeguards. Help set up safeguards on financial accounts. This could include setting up alerts for unusual transactions. Establishing a durable power of attorney. We're using financial management services that require dual approval for significant transactions. Number five. Personal professional advice. Consult with professionals. Encourage regular reviews of financial health. With trusted and reputable. Financial advisors and legal professionals. This can be especially helpful in making sound decisions and avoiding dubious schemes. And number six, report and discuss. Finally make sure they know how to report a scam, discuss the importance of reporting any suspicious activity to authorities. This not only helps in potentially recovering, lost funds, but also prevent scammers from harming others. By fostering an environment of awareness and support. We can protect our seniors from the deceitful tactics of scammers, like Rachel Lee, an insurer. That their golden years remain safe. And secure. Join us next time as we will have deeper into the rains family saga where trust becomes the family's biggest asset and greatest liability. 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