This week the Lee County Sheriff’s Office kept two elderly persons from becoming victims of a Lottery scam.

The Fraud line recently received information that an unknown scammer had been in touch with an 83 year old female who resides in a retirement facility in Columbus, Ohio. The scammer convinced the woman she had won $800,000 (eight hundred thousand) dollars in a sweepstakes/lottery. In order to collect her winnings, she was told to mail a personal check for $10,000 (ten thousand) dollars and a Western Union Money Order for $160.00 (one hundred sixty) dollars to an 86 year old male who resides in Fort Myers. Neither of the victims knew each other; however both had been contacted by the same crook.

The man was also convinced he was a winner in the sweepstakes/lottery and was told he would be receiving a check in the mail. When it arrived he was to take it to his bank, cash it and then wait for further instructions from the unknown caller. Fortunately, a very concerned representative of the bank began to ask the gentleman questions about the funds, fearing his client was the victim of a scam. The banker made contact with the issuer of the check and the bank on which it was drawn and discovered it was indeed a legitimate check and the funds were available for distribution. A hold was placed on the funds to allow time to look into the man’s story.

The Fraud Line was contacted and information about the “alleged” scam was reported. An immediate investigation began and was eventually turned over to the Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Unit. The scam was confirmed and both individuals were saved from becoming victims of elder financial exploitation. Both the check and the money order were returned to the elderly woman in Ohio.

Detective Mark Zellman of ECU wrote, “Thanks to the early intervention of all involved, the woman in Ohio was spared a significant financial loss and the gentleman here in Fort Myers avoided possible criminal consequences.”

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone that scam artists are everywhere attempting to obtain your personal identity and your money. Remember, a legitimate sweepstakes will NEVER ask you to send money to enter, claim a prize or pay taxes out of money sent to you.

For assistance call the Sheriff’s Office Fraud Line: 239-477-1242