Scammer Tricks Woman, Steals $20K in Gift Cards

0:00A 75-year-old man from O'Cala got busted in Pinellas County, Florida on April 14th for running a classic sweepstake scam. OSHA's gene tricked the woman into thinking she won big from publisher's clearinghouse, then charged her with scheme to defraud under $20,000. He convinced her to cough up cash for fake taxes by sending money orders and checks to his address. Then he upped the game, telling her to pull out large sums from the bank so he could swing by as a courier and grab it personally. She fell for it three times in March and April, handing over the money right at her door. Folks are reeling from how bold this guy was, praying on trust like that in broad daylight. Turns out, Gene turned all that cash into gift cards and even admitted cashing the mailed money orders for more of the same. He tried blaming some mystery contact named Peter, but couldn't back it up. Sheriff's Office booked him into Pinellas County jail on a $5,000 bond, a reminder to double check those dream-win calls before they. Drain your wallet.

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