Latest news with #PublishersClearingHouseSweepstakes
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Yahoo
Georgia man indicted for sweepstakes scam
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — A Jamaican citizen and Georgia resident was indicted by a federal grand jury of allegedly running a sweepstakes scam which included a victim in Connecticut. Jimmy Smith, 30, of Hinesville, Ga., was arrested on March 17 and is currently in home detention with electronic monitoring. He is scheduled to be arraigned in New Haven federal court on Friday. Feds: Connecticut man made down payment on contract murder during Vermont drug buy The indictment alleges that Smith and others defrauded at least four victims residing in Connecticut, New York, California and Texas. The alleged victims were told they had won a Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes and needed to pay taxes or a fee in order to claim the prize. Smith allegedly recruited others to use their bank accounts to deposit the money that had been paid by the victims. The co-conspirators then withdrew cash and gave it to Smith, or sent Smith money using bank transfer applications. In July 2022, the alleged Connecticut victim was contacted by telephone and told she had won a $2.5 million sweepstakes prize, and needed to pay taxes to claim the winnings. In August of that year, the victim mailed a $75,000 check paid to the order of Keshelski & K Transport to an address in Brooklyn, N.Y. The account was deposited into an account in the name of Keshelski & K Transports LLC, which was controlled by Keshelski Bates, an alleged co-conspirator of Smith. The indictment also alleges that Smith participated in a separate scheme that defrauded an Arkansas resident who believed he was paying for farm equipment. The indictment charges Smith with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and conduct illegal monetary transactions. Each offense carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison. On January 21, Keshelski Bates, 30, also of Hinesville, Georgia, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud. He was released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Yahoo
This Florida senior, 85, lost $35K in life savings in a lottery scam that everyone should know about
A Florida sheriff was on hand at Daytona Beach International Airport to greet and grill one of three suspects in a lottery scam that conned an 85-year-old woman out of $35,000. Suspect Shania Baptiste was extradited from New York to Florida in connection with the fraud, which saw an elderly Dayton Beach woman lose her life savings, as reported by Fox 35 Orlando and WFTV Channel 9. Media captured the scene as Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood met her at the airport I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) A near-record number of Americans are grappling with $1,000 car payments and many drivers can't keep up. Here are 3 ways to stay ahead Protect your retirement savings with these 5 essential money moves — most of which you can complete in just minutes "Shania, I am Sheriff Chitwood, and I want to let you know that we protect our seniors in this community. That's why you're here,' he said, before Baptiste was handcuffed and taken to jail to await trial. 'I hope you enjoy your stay here. Welcome to Florida." Baptiste replied she was innocent. "I'm sorry for the crime that was committed, but it was not me," she responded. Baptiste's alleged accomplice Neilson Brooks was booked into the Volusia County jail, but posted bond and was released three hours later. Both Baptiste and Brooks face charges of Organized Scheme to Defraud and Grand Theft over $20,000. The fraud began when con artists told an 85-year-old Daytona senior that she had won $1 million through Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes. Then they told her she needed to wire them $20,000 in taxes and fees to collect her winnings. When the elderly woman went to the bank to wire the cash, tellers told her it was likely a scam. Then the con artists convinced the woman to go to another bank with a cover story that she was sending money to a family member for home repairs. When that transaction went through, they demanded more, collecting $35,000 in total. The scam followed a familiar pattern: Friendly-sounding fraudsters contact elderly victims to tell them they've won money, but need to pay upfront fees or taxes. Victims are frequently coached on what to say when bank managers question them, even going so far as to lie. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office has managed to recover $20,000 and return it to the elderly woman, who may get the remainder of her money back pending the results of the trial. Many victims of this kind of fraud don't get their money back, as wiring funds is like sending cash. Read more: Home prices in America could fly through the roof in 2025 — here's the big reason why and how to take full advantage (with as little as $10) As more cases like this one emerge, law enforcement is cracking down on fraudsters. Still, your best line of defense is education. Learn to spot red flags, and don't be afraid to ask a trusted friend or family member for help. Here are some tips to protect yourself and your loved ones from this kind of scam. Legitimate sweepstakes don't require winners to pay taxes upfront. Rather, taxes are generally paid when you file your taxes for the year. If you or a loved one receives a call asking for taxes before winnings are dispersed, hang up and block the number. Before making any large financial decisions, consult with a trusted friend, family member, or financial adviser. Fraudsters often pressure victims into secrecy; don't let them isolate you. In fact it's a red flag if they insist that you don't tell anyone. Help friends and family members recognize signs of fraud. Tell them how con artists pressure people to send money, with claims like it's a 'time-limited offer,' or you'll be arrested if you don't comply. Explain how wiring money is like sending cash in the mail as it's not always easy to see where it goes or retrieve it. If you receive messages from someone you think is a scammer, block their number. If you believe you have been scammed, contact your bank and police as soon as possible. In some cases, authorities can claw back funds or investigate where the funds went. Meanwhile, Sheriff Chitwood issued this warning for scammers: 'If we track you down in the continental United States, your a— is coming back here and let everybody see what a scumbag you really are.' Jamie Dimon issues a warning about the US stock market — says prices are 'kind of inflated.' Crashproof your portfolio with these 3 rock-solid strategies 'I like this stuff': Self-made $500M mogul and YouTuber reveals his 'essential' US portfolio that he says Amazon 'can't hurt' — here's his secret formula and how you can copy it in 2025 Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Yahoo
New York woman poses as lottery official to scam Daytona woman out of thousands
A months-long investigation into a bold lottery scam ended as Shania Baptiste was extradited from New York to Volusia County. Handcuffed and escorted by deputies, Baptiste was greeted by Sheriff Mike Chitwood, who had choice words for the criminal. Authorities said Baptiste, along with her accomplice Nelson Brooks, preyed on an 85-year-old Daytona Beach woman, convincing her she had won $1 million through a Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes, but first, telling the senior citizen she had to pay the taxes and fees to claim her prize. 'This is the tip of the iceberg with these two. NYPD crimes, I can't thank them enough for all their help. But this is bigger than this,' said Mike Chitwood, Volusia County Sheriff. Volusia County Investigators said the scheme began in June, with Baptiste and another man named 'Jacob,' repeatedly pressuring the victim to send large sums of money. Twice, she attempted to wire $20,000 from her Truist bank account, only to be stopped by the tellers who warned her it was a scam. Arrest affidavits state the victim told the pair about the banks stopping her. Investigators said the pair then instructed the elderly victim to go to a different bank and fake a story, telling employees she was sending the money to a relative in New York for home repairs. The deception worked. She successfully wired $20,000 to Baptiste's Santander Bank account—then, at their demand, was told to send another $12,500. 'There weren't any intentions for the money. When my lawyer is present, then an explanation will be given,' said Baptise. When the victim realized she had been duped, the damage had already been done. Investigators launched a deep dive in September, uncovering a financial trail leading directly to Baptiste's frozen bank account. In December, NYPD detectives confronted and arrested her at the same address listed on the delivery confirmation sent by the victim. Brooks, who investigators also said played a key role in the scheme, was arrested days before but has since bonded out. Now in the custody of Volusia County authorities, Baptiste faces justice for her role in the scheme. Sheriff Mike Chitwood issued a stern warning: For everyone, especially during tax season, to be vigilant about scammers targeting money from you. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
