Postal inspectors in California are investigating a case in which a local woman was duped out of $6,800 and nearly lost another $12,000 in a sweepstakes scam, police said.
Arlington Heights police said they learned of the scam after the woman, 71, tried to withdraw $12,000 from her bank account. The teller called police after learning the reason for the withdrawal.
The woman later told police she was mailed a $75,000 sweepstakes application in February. Along with the entry form, she also sent $6,800 that the instructions said was required to cover expenses and raise revenue for the prize, police said.
Soon after, a man who identified himself as Michael Stevens called and told her she had won the $75,000, police said, but he said she must send $12,000 to cover taxes on the winnings. Police dialed the number he left, but it wasn’t in service.