Introduction to the Story
The story begins with Jerry, who is pacing furiously around his living room, hunched over his cellphone. He is frustrated with his new phone, the Constellation 3000, which he paid a lot for but is not working. Kramer enters the room, and Jerry shares his frustration with him. Kramer, in a fatherly manner, tells Jerry that he has become a slave to technology and that he should stop and smell the roses.
The Plot Unfolds
Kramer asks to borrow Jerry’s phone to check out his dating site. Jerry is surprised to learn that Kramer has put a dating site on his phone and asks why he didn’t put it on his own phone. Kramer reveals that he doesn’t have a cell phone and that his old phone is still wired to the wall. He believes that this is the beauty of it, as he doesn’t receive robocalls, spam texts, or tracking cookies. Jerry tosses Kramer his phone, and Kramer starts checking his dating site.
George’s Big News
George enters the room, excitedly sharing that he has made a lot of money. He explains that he received a phone call from his bank, informing him that someone is trying to steal his money. The bank has been trying to catch the culprit, and George’s help is needed. He has agreed to participate in a rewards program, where he will lend the bank his money, and if they catch the thief, he will receive a big reward. Jerry asks how much money George gave them, and George reveals that he gave them all of his money.
Elaine’s FBI Encounter
Elaine enters the room, sharing that she received a call from the FBI. They are running a sting operation against a foreign businessman and need her help. Elaine is excited about the opportunity and reveals that she has been talking to Special Agent Joe Davola, who sent her his photo. Jerry is skeptical and warns Elaine that lying to the FBI is a crime.
Kramer’s Dating Disaster
Kramer interrupts the conversation, sharing that he has been tricked by the dating site. They fixed him up with a 93-year-old woman, and he has been charged $5 per minute for their conversations. Jerry is furious that Kramer put charges on his card, but Kramer promises to reimburse him.
Closing Scene
The story ends with Jerry, George, and Elaine realizing that they have all been scammed. Elaine’s FBI sting was a scam, George’s bank reward was a scam, and Kramer’s dating site was a scam. Jerry concludes that they must keep the real world out of their lives and not talk to anyone or do anything to be safe. George and Elaine agree, but Kramer asks if his new girlfriend, Granny, can visit sometime. Jerry, George, and Elaine shout him down, and the scene ends with “CURTAIN.”
In the Know
A financial protection seminar is being hosted by Chase Bank, and the public is invited. The seminar will take place on Friday, November 21, 2025, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Oak Cliff Community Center Branch in Dallas.
Conclusion
The story highlights the importance of being cautious when dealing with technology and strangers. It also emphasizes the need to be aware of scams and to protect oneself from financial fraud. The characters’ experiences serve as a reminder to be vigilant and to verify information before making any decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the name of Jerry’s new phone?
A: The Constellation 3000.
Q: Why did Kramer put a dating site on Jerry’s phone?
A: Because Kramer doesn’t have a cell phone and wanted to check out the dating site.
Q: What was George’s involvement with the bank?
A: George participated in a rewards program, lending the bank his money to catch a thief.
Q: Who did Elaine talk to from the FBI?
A: Special Agent Joe Davola.
Q: What was the outcome of the characters’ experiences?
A: They all realized that they had been scammed and decided to keep the real world out of their lives.
Q: What is the purpose of the financial protection seminar?
A: To educate the public on how to protect themselves from financial fraud and scams.
