Vietnam Vet, double amputee may lose home after being scammed

Local Vietnam veteran and double amputee at risk of losing his custom home
KGET.com news
September 5, 2012

A local Vietnam veteran reached out to 17 News after he learned his home will go up for auction October 1st.

And, it's not just any home. Richard McCombs is a double amputee, having lost both of his legs in the war. His home was custom built with a V.A. loan so he could get around in his wheelchair.

And, as he's been trying to save his home himself, 17 News learned he was likely scammed in the process.

McCombs' hard times started in 2009 when he lost his wife. And, now, he says he's losing his memory too. It appears someone took advantage of his pain and desperation to save what he has left, his house, and scammed him out of thousands of dollars.

"Ah man, I tell you," said McCombs shaking his head, "I don't know how I've gotten into this mess, but I sure have."

McCombs shares that he owes over $225,000 on his home.

"It makes my heart go to my feet, if I had feet. But, it really hurts me," said McCombs.

In 1967, McCombs was serving in Chu Lai province. That year he stepped on a land mine and lost both legs. He returned to Bakersfield needing a home with wheelchair accessibility.

"The V.A. helped me. They gave me a grant to build this house, and I had it built. And, that was in 1971, and I've lived here ever since," said McCombs.
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