Lottery Scammers Caught
12/04/2014 16:35
Feds charge 10 from SC, Ga., in lottery scam
Posted: Feb 04, 2014 12:24 PM PDT Updated: Mar 04, 2014 12:24 PM PDT<a href="https://www.hypersmash.com/dreamhost/">www.hypersmash.com/dreamhost/</a>
COLUMBIA, SC (AP) -
Federal prosecutors in South Carolina say 10 people are charged in a lottery scam.
U.S. Attorney Bill Nettles said Tuesday nine people from South Carolina and one person from Georgia had been charged as part of a conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
Prosecutors say the scammers targeted older people, notifying them that they had won a lottery or sweepstakes but needed to pay fees in advance in order to receive their winnings.
Authorities say more than 200 people paid more than $1 million to receive their non-existent lottery prizes.
The defendants each face up to 20 years in prison and fines of $250,000 if convicted.