A Columbus County resident lost $6,500 after a phone scammer claimed he had won a new Mercedes and $3.5 million in cash.
The sheriff’s office said the victim was contacted by phone about the supposed prize, according to Columbus County News. The caller then gave instructions that turned the fake award into a payment demand.
The victim was told to buy gift cards and prepaid money cards as part of the delivery process.
The scam became suspicious when the caller asked for another $1,000 for paperwork tied to the alleged prize delivery.
The Victim Was Told to Buy Gift and Prepaid Cards
The victim was contacted by someone claiming he had won a Mercedes and $3.5 million in cash, according to the sheriff’s office account cited by Columbus County News.
Instead of simply arranging delivery, the caller allegedly instructed the victim to make purchases first. Those payments were described as part of the process needed to receive the car and money.
The sheriff’s office said the victim was instructed to buy gift cards and prepaid money cards. By the time the victim became suspicious, the scam had already cost $6,500. The report did not identify the victim or say how many separate card purchases were made.
The Investigation Is Continuing
The turning point came when the caller asked for an additional $1,000. The money was allegedly described as paperwork connected to delivering the prize.
That request caused the victim to question the arrangement. Authorities said pay-to-win prize scams are common, and any caller demanding money before a prize can be delivered is likely running a scam.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation is continuing. The available report did not identify a suspect, list an arrest, or say whether any of the victim’s money has been recovered.
Officials urged anyone with questions about a similar call to contact the sheriff’s office or hang up before sending money.
Real Prizes Do Not Require Gift Cards First
The FTC says if someone has to pay to get a prize, it is a scam. Real prizes are free, and scammers often describe the payment as taxes, shipping, handling, processing, customs, or another required fee.
Anyone who receives a call claiming they won a car, cash prize, sweepstakes, or lottery should not buy gift cards, prepaid cards, money orders, cryptocurrency, or wire money to claim it.
People who already bought gift cards or prepaid cards should contact the card issuer immediately and ask whether the funds can be frozen. Suspected prize scams can be reported to local law enforcement, the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.