SMITHFIELD – A disabled Smithfield woman lost thousands of dollars in a sweepstakes scam. Around January 18, the victim said she received a telephone call telling her she had won a $10 million sweepstakes and a new Mercedes.
The scammer told the victim in order to claim her prize she needed to purchase pre-paid credit cards and provide the card numbers. Unfortunately, the 69 year-old victim went to a Smithfield store and obtained multiple pre-paid cards totaling $4,300. She then provided the numbers to the caller.
Only later, when she didn’t hear back from the caller, she realized she had been defrauded.
According to AARP, in 2021, there were more than 148,000 reports of fraud involving prizes, sweepstakes and lotteries, an increase of 27 percent from 2020. Altogether, the victims collectively lost $255 million. Adults 55 and older account for 72 percent of all scams reported to the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
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It makes me sad that the cashier did not attempt to stop this! I used to work PT at Food Lion and had several elderly trying to purchase hundreds of gift cards. I let every single one of them know they were likely being scammed. It wasn’t until then they realized it.
I know $4,300 is a lot of money to be scammed out of, but usually the scammers don’t stop until they’ve stolen every dime you have. Be diligent people!!! Sweepstakes will NEVER call you to tell that you have won, they send certified letters.
Is she “mentally” disabled? The the only excuse I can see for *ANYONE* in this day and age to think they can win a prize by paying with gift cards! #WakeUpSheeple
Just say ‘Take the money out of the reward’.