COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Sheriff’s Department says an 88-year-old Coldwater Township woman was scammed last week. They were told about the fraud last week by officials at Southern Michigan Bank and Trust.
Deputies and bank investigators found out the woman had suddenly began making withdrawals in the thousands of dollars. It was revealed that the woman was told not to tell anyone about her winnings of over $2.5 million for her protection.
She was instructed to pay tax and fees for a new car and that the winnings were going to be presented at her home.
During the preliminary investigation, deputies found out she had mailed payments of $450 and nearly $3,400 to two different addresses in different states.
The $3,400 payment went to Burlington, North Carolina. The envelope and the money was recovered and returned to the woman but the $450 envelope was unrecoverable.
The Sheriff’s Office says there have been many other victims involved in this scam and they are advising families and care givers of the elderly to be watchful of assets and discuss these scams with them.
