CLEARFIELD – An area resident is out of more than $7,700 after being a victim of an “International Sweepstakes” scam, according to a news release from the state police at Clearfield.
State police say a caller phoned a Curwensville resident and claimed she was the winner of a Mega-Millions Sweepstakes. The caller allegedly told her she would be receiving $2,500,000 and then directed her to send $1,000 to claim her winnings.
According to the report, the resident sent $1,000 via Western Union to an address in Minneapolis, Minn. She then received several phone calls and text messages from different persons who were allegedly asking for more money and electronics in order to acquire her winnings.
State police say she sent additional money via Western Union and MoneyGram Payment Systems Inc., totaling $5,000 to Minnesota and Jamaica. She also purchased $1,707.16 worth of electronics at Wal-Mart and sent them to unknown persons.
“The victim never received any sweepstakes winnings,” state police stated. “The victim is out a total of approximately $7,717.16. These phone calls are an International Sweepstakes scam and should not be responded to.”
State police are referring the investigation to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.
