Salina Post
Sweepstakes scam results in woman out over $10,000.
According to Salina Police Department (SPD) Wednesday at around 8:00 pm a 65-year old woman reported on March 17, she received a phone call that indicated she won over $2,000,000 in a sweepstakes contest. She initially ignored the calls, but eventually got in contact with an individual.
The suspect told the victim she needed withdraw money, as they deposited an amount in her account for "security reasons" in order for her to receive the $2,000,000.
This conversation was on FaceTime and the victim stated she could not see the person and heard several people in the background.
She then asked the reason why she needed to withdraw money, and the suspect stated "so that people won't come after you."
Reportedly, the woman purchased multiple Green Dot moneypak cards and provided the numbers of the cards to the suspect. She stated she purchased the cards in various locations throughout Topeka.
Around $13,000 were sent and afterwards, she was told to purchase four iPhone 17's.
The victim then called SPD to report the scam.
According to SPD the total loss was around $15,000.
SPD is notifying the community if you receive a call stating you have won "sweepstakes" and ask for money, it is a scam. Moreover, if you have never entered in a sweepstakes contest and are notified you have won, it is a scam.
Salina Police Department: (785) 826-7210
Saline County Sheriff's Office: (785) 826-6500