South Carolina mom, son sentenced in sweepstakes scam targeting elderly
The Dept. of Justice says there were nearly 200 hundred victims, some as old as 96
The Dept. of Justice says there were nearly 200 hundred victims, some as old as 96
The Dept. of Justice says there were nearly 200 hundred victims, some as old as 96
Video above: Grandparent scam makes a comeback
Two Jamaican nationals are headed to federal prison for their roles in a lottery scam that targeted elderly victims across the United States.
Rojay Lawson and Theresa Lawson were living in South Carolina when they contacted elderly people to tell them they had won a sweepstakes but needed to pay bogus taxes and fees to collect the winnings.
The stolen money was then wired to co-conspirators in Jamaica.
In all, the Department of Justice says they stole more than $700,000 from at least 175 victims.
Approximately 70 victims were over the age of 80 and the oldest victim was 96 years old.
Rojay Lawson, 24, and his mother, Theresa Lawson, 53, were each sentenced to more than five years behind bars after pleading guilty.
They face deportation upon their release and have been ordered to pay $405,401.00 in restitution.