June 27, 2024 • 12 mins
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.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:02):
The sun hasn't yet risen overthe sleepy town of Gaston,
Oregon.
But in a small cluttered office,the light has been on all night.
Papers or strewn across thedesk.
And on the computer screen.
A bank account balance flashes,ominously low.
Ralph Raines Jr.
Sit slumped in his chair, a mandefeated.
(00:24):
Staring blankly at the screen.
His hand trembles slightly as hereaches for the cup of coffee
that has long since gone cold.
It's March, 2014.
And the day Ralph has feared isfinally here.
The empire, his father built.
The legacy he was sworn touphold.
Is crumbling.
(00:45):
The truth is clear, unavoidable.
And Ralph has been deceivedbetrayed by someone he trusted
implicitly.
And now the Raines family facesruin how did it come to this?
To understand, we need to goback.
Back to where it all began.
with a man named Ralph RainesSr.
(01:07):
A visionary with a love for theOregon Timberlands.
And he dreamed that would spangenerations.
Mm hmm Mm hmm Mm hmm Mm hmm Mmhmm Mm hmm Our story starts in
(01:46):
the early 20th century.
When Ralph Raines Sr.
First laid eyes on the vastforest of Oregon.
Back then the tree stood talland proud and the possibilities
seem, they seemed endless.
Ralph Sr was a man of the land.
A man with plans ralphRaines.
sr purchases land.
(02:08):
an our west of Portland, Oregon,and starts the Raines family
tree farm.
in the 1950s.
The farm, which was planted byRalph Raines sr was a staggering
1200 acres.
with tree's worth up to athousand dollars each.
It was a sustainable farm andthey only cut a portion.
And replant it.
(02:28):
So the business would go onforever.
So the farm was open to thepublic for hiking and enjoyment.
No one loved the farm more thanRalph Raines Jr.
Ralph Jr.
Is the only child of Ralph Srand his wife, Helen.
Ralph junior was raised on thefarm.
He is described as smart.
But gullible.
(02:49):
Somewhat socially awkward.
And naive.
Raines.
Was the air to the fortune andthe business.
Ralph Sr served in the militaryas a pilot before becoming a
tree farmer.
Businessman and millionaire.
All the Raines loved treefarming.
Ralph Sr I mean, all thebusiness decisions and ran the
(03:09):
farm.
Helen ran the household and Jr.
Took direction from his dad.
Ralph junior love the trees andthat's the part of the business
that he thrived in.
In 2001, Helen Raines passedaway when Ralph Jr was 54 years
old.
Ralph junior lost his mother andhis father was growing older.
(03:30):
He was never married, never in arelationship.
And he yearned for humanconnection.
In addition to the trees, RalphJr.
Has a strong interest.
In the psychic realm, theparanormal.
Well attending a tree conferencein bend Oregon in 2004.
fate led him to a psychic shop.
Run by Rachel Lee.
(03:52):
Then the 57 year old Ralph Jr.
Got his Palm read and shared.
With her, his one desire.
He wished to be married and tohave a family of his own.
Rachel tells Ralph Jr.
That she thinks she could helphim.
And she would love to see hisplace.
Ralph Jr says he would love toshow it to her.
(04:12):
They arranged for her to come tothe tree farm.
And she does.
It doesn't take a fortune tellerto see that the land is worth a
fortune.
Rachel Lee sees dollars andimmediately hatches a plan.
Imagine a character straight outof a soap opera part fortune
teller.
Part modern day pirate withoutthe parrot.
(04:33):
Eyepatch.
Rachel Lee could read a roombetter than she could read the
stars.
Turning a mystic insight into afull fledged goldmine.
Dubbed as a psychic.
Who could see everything exceptthe line between right and
wrong.
She had an uncanny ability tospot a wallet from a mile away.
And more tricks up her sleeve,then the magician at a
(04:56):
children's party.
Her crystal ball must have beenon the Fritz.
Because she never saw a lawcoming.
Ralph Raines junior.
Was hardly Rachel Lee's firstvictim.
Her previous acts included amedley of minor cons.
Suggesting she practiced longand hard in the minors.
(05:17):
Before stepping up to the majorleagues with Ralph Raines Jr.
Indeed for Rachel manipulationwas more than a skill.
It was an art form, she is amaster of the sweetheart
swindle.
Using the promise of love toisolate a lonely man and hijack
his financial life.
Ralph Jr.
Has access to his own money.
(05:38):
And in the first two years oftheir relationship, if you want
to call it that.
He is happy to share it withRachel Lee.
The woman who is helping himfind love.
Ralph Jr.
Gives her cash jewelry.
And a Hummer.
And then on Valentine's day of2006, Rob junior pays$915,000
(06:00):
for a four bedroom, 4,600 squarefoot house in the Hills above
Portland.
Rachel Lee convinces Ralph, thatthe 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.
(06:21):
Blancy Lee.
When Jr buys the house the scamis 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 mattershe was too ill-equipped to
handle.
Uh, the first operating thefinancial end of the tree farm.
(06:43):
And the second providing carefor a man who was dying.
Ralph shares this informationand confides with Lee that he's
in need.
Of someone to take care of hisfather and help him run the
business side of the tree farm.
And she immediately turns up thescam.
Using a lie about having carefor her dying husband to her
(07:04):
advantage.
Yes, the same one that's livingin the house in the Hills, in
Portland.
Rachel Lee persuades Ralph tohire her as a caregiver for
Ralph Raines Sr.
At an enormous rate of$9,000 amonth.
She tells Ralph Jr.
That she knows a lot about howto run a business and he allows
(07:24):
her to become the bookkeeper forhis father himself and the tree
farm.
With access to the books.
Rachel Lee sometimes paysherself two and three times per
month.
So what type of care is Ralphgetting?
Many times he was dirty and onshowered.
To avoid scrutiny.
Rachel brings Ralph Sr to livewith her in her home.
(07:47):
that Ralph Jr.
Purchased.
Rachel, doesn't give Ralph Sr abedroom.
He now lives in a bed in thehallway.
With a few people watching Leeit's to business.
Tune next week.
When Ralph Jr.
Finally gets what he has wantedfor years.
A wife and a child.
(08:09):
Guardians of trust, protectingour seniors.
As we close today's chapter.
On the beginnings of RalphRaines Sr., timber empire, we
were reminded oh, thevulnerabilities that can
accompany even the mostseemingly secure fortunes.
It's crucial to remain vigilant,especially in protecting our
seniors from potential scams.
(08:29):
Here are a few key strategieseveryone should consider to help
safeguard the finances andwellbeing of the elderly in our
communities.
Number one is regularcommunication.
Keep regular contact withelderly family members.
Open and frequent communicationHills to reduce their isolation.
It conditions scammers oftenexploit and allows you to spot
(08:52):
any sudden or unusual changes.
in their behavior or financialsituation.
Number two educate about commonscams Educate yourself and your
elderly loved ones about themost common types of scams.
Information is power.
Discuss how these scams work.
And remind them never to sharepersonal and financial
(09:13):
information.
Over the phone or online withstrangers.
Number three.
Encouraged skepticism.
Encourage a healthy level ofskepticism in your elderly
family members.
Remind them that it's okay tosay no.
Hey up the phone or delete anyemail.
Uh, legitimate businesses andgovernment agencies will not use
(09:34):
high pressure tactics to ask forsensitive information
unexpectedly.
Number four.
Set up financial safeguards.
Help set up safeguards onfinancial accounts.
This could include setting upalerts for unusual transactions.
Establishing a durable power ofattorney.
We're using financial managementservices that require dual
(09:56):
approval for significanttransactions.
Number five.
Personal professional advice.
Consult with professionals.
Encourage regular reviews offinancial health.
With trusted and reputable.
Financial advisors and legalprofessionals.
This can be especially helpfulin making sound decisions and
(10:16):
avoiding dubious schemes.
And number six, report anddiscuss.
Finally make sure they know howto report a scam, discuss the
importance of reporting anysuspicious activity to
authorities.
This not only helps inpotentially recovering, lost
funds, but also prevent scammersfrom harming others.
By fostering an environment ofawareness and support.
(10:40):
We can protect our seniors fromthe deceitful tactics of
scammers, like Rachel Lee, aninsurer.
That their golden years remainsafe.
And secure.
Join us next time as we willhave deeper into the rains
family saga where trust becomesthe family's biggest asset and
greatest liability.
Until then keep, watch and takecare.
(11:03):
As we reflect on today's storyand the importance of vigilance
and care for our seniors, thatdoes not forget.
The caregivers who dedicatetheir lives to protecting and
nurturing their loved ones.
To all the caregivers out thereis time for you to take a moment
for yourself with the take careof time.
Respite box.
Each by monthly box is filledwith items carefully selected to
(11:25):
promote relaxation andrejuvenation.
From soothing teas to aromatherapy oils to inspirational
books and personal careproducts.
Every item is chosen to help yourecharge and refreshed during
your well-deserved respite.
Take your time understands thechallenges.
You face and the strenght youbring each day.
(11:46):
That's why we've createdsomething just for you.
To remind you that taking careof yourself is just as important
as the care you give to others.
Subscribe today and giveyourself a gift of self care.
Visit take care of time.com tolearn more and to order your
first box because sometimes.
The most important care istaking a moment for yourself.
The sun hasn't yet risen overthe sleepy town of Gaston,
Oregon.
But in a small cluttered office,the light has been on all night.
Papers or strewn across thedesk.
And on the computer screen.
A bank account balance flashes,ominously low.
Ralph Raines Jr.
Sit slumped in his chair, a mandefeated.
(00:24):
Staring blankly at the screen.
His hand trembles slightly as hereaches for the cup of coffee
that has long since gone cold.
It's March, 2014.
And the day Ralph has feared isfinally here.
The empire, his father built.
The legacy he was sworn touphold.
Is crumbling.
(00:45):
The truth is clear, unavoidable.
And Ralph has been deceivedbetrayed by someone he trusted
implicitly.
And now the Raines family facesruin how did it come to this?
To understand, we need to goback.
Back to where it all began.
with a man named Ralph RainesSr.
(01:07):
A visionary with a love for theOregon Timberlands.
And he dreamed that would spangenerations.
Mm hmm Mm hmm Mm hmm Mm hmm Mmhmm Mm hmm Our story starts in
(01:46):
the early 20th century.
When Ralph Raines Sr.
First laid eyes on the vastforest of Oregon.
Back then the tree stood talland proud and the possibilities
seem, they seemed endless.
Ralph Sr was a man of the land.
A man with plans ralphRaines.
sr purchases land.
(02:08):
an our west of Portland, Oregon,and starts the Raines family
tree farm.
in the 1950s.
The farm, which was planted byRalph Raines sr was a staggering
1200 acres.
with tree's worth up to athousand dollars each.
It was a sustainable farm andthey only cut a portion.
And replant it.
(02:28):
So the business would go onforever.
So the farm was open to thepublic for hiking and enjoyment.
No one loved the farm more thanRalph Raines Jr.
Ralph Jr.
Is the only child of Ralph Srand his wife, Helen.
Ralph junior was raised on thefarm.
He is described as smart.
But gullible.
(02:49):
Somewhat socially awkward.
And naive.
Raines.
Was the air to the fortune andthe business.
Ralph Sr served in the militaryas a pilot before becoming a
tree farmer.
Businessman and millionaire.
All the Raines loved treefarming.
Ralph Sr I mean, all thebusiness decisions and ran the
(03:09):
farm.
Helen ran the household and Jr.
Took direction from his dad.
Ralph junior love the trees andthat's the part of the business
that he thrived in.
In 2001, Helen Raines passedaway when Ralph Jr was 54 years
old.
Ralph junior lost his mother andhis father was growing older.
(03:30):
He was never married, never in arelationship.
And he yearned for humanconnection.
In addition to the trees, RalphJr.
Has a strong interest.
In the psychic realm, theparanormal.
Well attending a tree conferencein bend Oregon in 2004.
fate led him to a psychic shop.
Run by Rachel Lee.
(03:52):
Then the 57 year old Ralph Jr.
Got his Palm read and shared.
With her, his one desire.
He wished to be married and tohave a family of his own.
Rachel tells Ralph Jr.
That she thinks she could helphim.
And she would love to see hisplace.
Ralph Jr says he would love toshow it to her.
(04:12):
They arranged for her to come tothe tree farm.
And she does.
It doesn't take a fortune tellerto see that the land is worth a
fortune.
Rachel Lee sees dollars andimmediately hatches a plan.
Imagine a character straight outof a soap opera part fortune
teller.
Part modern day pirate withoutthe parrot.
(04:33):
Eyepatch.
Rachel Lee could read a roombetter than she could read the
stars.
Turning a mystic insight into afull fledged goldmine.
Dubbed as a psychic.
Who could see everything exceptthe line between right and
wrong.
She had an uncanny ability tospot a wallet from a mile away.
And more tricks up her sleeve,then the magician at a
(04:56):
children's party.
Her crystal ball must have beenon the Fritz.
Because she never saw a lawcoming.
Ralph Raines junior.
Was hardly Rachel Lee's firstvictim.
Her previous acts included amedley of minor cons.
Suggesting she practiced longand hard in the minors.
(05:17):
Before stepping up to the majorleagues with Ralph Raines Jr.
Indeed for Rachel manipulationwas more than a skill.
It was an art form, she is amaster of the sweetheart
swindle.
Using the promise of love toisolate a lonely man and hijack
his financial life.
Ralph Jr.
Has access to his own money.
(05:38):
And in the first two years oftheir relationship, if you want
to call it that.
He is happy to share it withRachel Lee.
The woman who is helping himfind love.
Ralph Jr.
Gives her cash jewelry.
And a Hummer.
And then on Valentine's day of2006, Rob junior pays$915,000
(06:00):
for a four bedroom, 4,600 squarefoot house in the Hills above
Portland.
Rachel Lee convinces Ralph, thatthe 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.
(06:21):
Blancy Lee.
When Jr buys the house the scamis 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 mattershe was too ill-equipped to
handle.
Uh, the first operating thefinancial end of the tree farm.
(06:43):
And the second providing carefor a man who was dying.
Ralph shares this informationand confides with Lee that he's
in need.
Of someone to take care of hisfather and help him run the
business side of the tree farm.
And she immediately turns up thescam.
Using a lie about having carefor her dying husband to her
(07:04):
advantage.
Yes, the same one that's livingin the house in the Hills, in
Portland.
Rachel Lee persuades Ralph tohire her as a caregiver for
Ralph Raines Sr.
At an enormous rate of$9,000 amonth.
She tells Ralph Jr.
That she knows a lot about howto run a business and he allows
(07:24):
her to become the bookkeeper forhis father himself and the tree
farm.
With access to the books.
Rachel Lee sometimes paysherself two and three times per
month.
So what type of care is Ralphgetting?
Many times he was dirty and onshowered.
To avoid scrutiny.
Rachel brings Ralph Sr to livewith her in her home.
(07:47):
that Ralph Jr.
Purchased.
Rachel, doesn't give Ralph Sr abedroom.
He now lives in a bed in thehallway.
With a few people watching Leeit's to business.
Tune next week.
When Ralph Jr.
Finally gets what he has wantedfor years.
A wife and a child.
(08:09):
Guardians of trust, protectingour seniors.
As we close today's chapter.
On the beginnings of RalphRaines Sr., timber empire, we
were reminded oh, thevulnerabilities that can
accompany even the mostseemingly secure fortunes.
It's crucial to remain vigilant,especially in protecting our
seniors from potential scams.
(08:29):
Here are a few key strategieseveryone should consider to help
safeguard the finances andwellbeing of the elderly in our
communities.
Number one is regularcommunication.
Keep regular contact withelderly family members.
Open and frequent communicationHills to reduce their isolation.
It conditions scammers oftenexploit and allows you to spot
(08:52):
any sudden or unusual changes.
in their behavior or financialsituation.
Number two educate about commonscams Educate yourself and your
elderly loved ones about themost common types of scams.
Information is power.
Discuss how these scams work.
And remind them never to sharepersonal and financial
(09:13):
information.
Over the phone or online withstrangers.
Number three.
Encouraged skepticism.
Encourage a healthy level ofskepticism in your elderly
family members.
Remind them that it's okay tosay no.
Hey up the phone or delete anyemail.
Uh, legitimate businesses andgovernment agencies will not use
(09:34):
high pressure tactics to ask forsensitive information
unexpectedly.
Number four.
Set up financial safeguards.
Help set up safeguards onfinancial accounts.
This could include setting upalerts for unusual transactions.
Establishing a durable power ofattorney.
We're using financial managementservices that require dual
(09:56):
approval for significanttransactions.
Number five.
Personal professional advice.
Consult with professionals.
Encourage regular reviews offinancial health.
With trusted and reputable.
Financial advisors and legalprofessionals.
This can be especially helpfulin making sound decisions and
(10:16):
avoiding dubious schemes.
And number six, report anddiscuss.
Finally make sure they know howto report a scam, discuss the
importance of reporting anysuspicious activity to
authorities.
This not only helps inpotentially recovering, lost
funds, but also prevent scammersfrom harming others.
By fostering an environment ofawareness and support.
(10:40):
We can protect our seniors fromthe deceitful tactics of
scammers, like Rachel Lee, aninsurer.
That their golden years remainsafe.
And secure.
Join us next time as we willhave deeper into the rains
family saga where trust becomesthe family's biggest asset and
greatest liability.
Until then keep, watch and takecare.
(11:03):
As we reflect on today's storyand the importance of vigilance
and care for our seniors, thatdoes not forget.
The caregivers who dedicatetheir lives to protecting and
nurturing their loved ones.
To all the caregivers out thereis time for you to take a moment
for yourself with the take careof time.
Respite box.
Each by monthly box is filledwith items carefully selected to
(11:25):
promote relaxation andrejuvenation.
From soothing teas to aromatherapy oils to inspirational
books and personal careproducts.
Every item is chosen to help yourecharge and refreshed during
your well-deserved respite.
Take your time understands thechallenges.
You face and the strenght youbring each day.
(11:46):
That's why we've createdsomething just for you.
To remind you that taking careof yourself is just as important
as the care you give to others.
Subscribe today and giveyourself a gift of self care.
Visit take care of time.com tolearn more and to order your
first box because sometimes.
The most important care istaking a moment for yourself.
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