An 82 year-old Johnston County woman lost money in a telephone sweepstakes scam.
In late-June the elderly Clayton resident starting receiving phone calls claiming she had won $5 million but before she could claim the prize she had to pay the taxes on the winnings.
The woman declined to pay but continued to get telephone calls from the suspect asking for money. She was even promised a brand new car, in addition to the $5 million, if she would send money.
The victim reluctantly sent in $90. Over the next 2 weeks she made additional payments of $100, $200, and $400 to the suspect before realizing she was being scammed.
A relative of the elderly victim reported the incident to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office this week. Detectives are investigating the case but say it is unlikely the woman will be able to get her money back.
