Includes video report
An ongoing sinister scam continues to cause some victims to lose their entire life savings from thieves operating from a country and an ocean away.
The special Jamaican Organized Crime Task Force is taking on scammers who cost unsuspecting Americans hundreds of millions of dollars each year. They find all the tools of the trade.
Cellphones, cash, and lists of phone numbers are used by suspects. Some go as far as driving a nail through their computers to disable them and destroy the evidence.
Boiler room operations target those who can least afford it — the elderly. One victim, who didn't wish to reveal her identity, wants to warn others.
"Don't fall for the scheme," she warned.
For her, it all started with a letter complete with what appeared to be an authentic Publisher's Clearing House logo, claiming she won $2 million dollars.
"I thought this has to be valid," she said. "This is just going to set me up for the rest of my life"
But it came with a catch. To claim the prize, she would have to send about $7,400 to cover "processing, shipping, and handling fees." She sent the money, but her jackpot never appeared. Instead she was bombarded with phone calls asking for more money.
"This was a very smooth talking man, but he called me sweetie and said he was a minister," she said.
Chris Irving, with Clearing House, said they've joined law enforcement to shut the operations down.
"These scam artists think they are safe offshore," he said. "We hope the message is: you're going to be arrested, you're going to be convicted if you continue to do this."
Some cases have been so severe that victims have been driven to suicide.
Alberto Poland, an 82-year-old from Tennessee, was told he won the Jamaican lottery. Over years, he sent tens of thousand of dollars to scammers. Last March, after being asked for more money, he killed himself.
The calls kept coming, recorded by his devastated family.
"My word is my bond so when we come over with your $2.5 million and your car it's going to be delivered directly to your doorstop," the scammers said.
The family of the victim continues to cope with the tragic loss.
"They took my life. When they took him they took my life, too," widow Virginia Poland said.
All victims agree if it can happen to them, it could happen to anyone.
"Don't fall for any of it. It's too good to be true," one said.
Experts warn to not believe any prize offer that require a fee to be paid upfront. They said to end communication with scammers immediately and report the matter to the Federal Trade Commission.
VIDEO: Watch the report
Glad they're making an attempt to catch these <snip>s. It must a daunting task to get the bad guys.
It is terrible someone took their life over this. Not to make light of that but still waiting for my lottery scam phone call. Get plenty of fake IRS calls though.
This rule never goes out of style " If you did NOT enter a contest - You did NOT win! "
It's that simple.
I get alot of emails a day,michelle obama,the white house,homeland security,airports everywhere,I just give them the big ole FU,,,,,,I dont understand why people keep falling for this....If you have an elderly parent,let them know whats going on...Its bad enough we have to live with scamming people right here in the USA.
Just tell them: Take the "processing, shipping, and handling fees" Out of the Winnings!
The scammers have noticed people don't fall for that so easily any longer and say people have been picked to win a prize based on their telephone number or email address instead.
You must a mind reader, I used to say that too.
My late Dad, early stages of Alzheimers fell for these scammers. When I told him it was against Federal Law for him to play these lotteries he just laughed.
l hear you MW- but this rule is easy " for me." It may be difficult for others, but I am standing by it. Everyone needs to draw up their own rules to combat this * virus.
Like I said" it's that simple! ...for me.
So long as there are people who are very greedy, but not very bright, it will keep on happening:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/There's_a_sucker_born_every_minute
Getting to know you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gxdWg0d2JI
Of course, it is not right, but:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VogHwP0C5VY
I'd Do Anything to you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ey0D53Dxl3M
You Belong to Me:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAdx_P8fSpA
Volare:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgeI0NeOjhI
These scammers we know about. It is the unknown ones and family that Lottery winners must be ready for.
Just say NO!
They keep getting reelected to Office...
.
To Everyone:
Just so that everyone reading this knows, and, without mistake:
I don't trust ANYTHING coming from Jamaica, and never have.
OK Mon?
So, I don't know why the poor guy killed himself over it. His loss and his wife's loss.
Lesson to all: If something sounds fishy, it likely is. Plain and simple as that.
Mr. Groppo
(how about country folk star johnny cash? he retired there, right?
yes, but he . . . . oh. . . . why am I talking to you, again? ?)
Those people need to be found and shot. eom
Sorry to hear about:
"Alberto Poland, an 82-year-old from Tennessee, was told he won the Jamaican lottery. Over years, he sent tens of thousand of dollars to scammers. Last March, after being asked for more money, he killed himself."
I feel sorry for his family. That is a said way to end 82 years of life.
But there are many other scams out there. Not only for Lottery Winnings.
Everyone has to be aware of these scams. Younger people on this thread has to inform your Parents, Grandparents, etc. that have computers that there are many unlawful people out there in this world.
My mother fell victim of one of those Granddaughter in Jail scams from out of state. They told her take a certain amount of money to Wal-mart and transfer it to their account to get her out of jail. And a girl gets on the phone that "claims" to be the granddaughter that has a cold because she was out partying and in jail so the "voice" is not recognizable. And "the voice" says "don't tell my Dad". So with all said and done My Mom did not contact my brother and went to the bank and took a bunch of cash out and went to Wal-Mart and gave it to some guy in Virginia. My Mom said it was so real, and the guy on the phone "who claimed to be a police officer" was so nice about the situation, she fell for it and lost about $2,500.
So, when you get an email from what you think is "your bank" and it says to "update" your account or anything else like that, you will be "notified" the next time you "log-in". Not from a separate e-mail. If you get a phone call from some one at night or early in the morning, when you are vulnerable. Just hang up! If in doubt, call your financial institution before making the "wrong decision".
I get this stuff sometimes when the unlawful are targeting my area. Hope all is fine with people who view this thread.