A Columbus County resident was bilked out of $6,500 on promises of a new Mercedes auto and $3.5 million in cash.
The sheriff’s office said the victim was contacted about winning the car and cash by a telephone scammer. He was instructed to purchase gift cards and prepaid money cards to as part of the delivery process.
“The victim became suspicious after being asked to send an additional $1,000 in supposed paperwork related to the prize delivery,” the report said.
Pay-to-win scams are common, according to the Attorney general’s Office. Any caller that demands money for a prize winner to receive an award is likely a scammer, the AG said. Anyone with questions about similar scams is urged to call the sheriff’s office – or hang up the phone – before sending any money.
The investigation is continuing.
