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It began with a phone call.
Mary, an 82-year-old retired bookkeeper from Land O’Lakes, Florida, picked up the phone to hear a polite man introducing himself as Michael Baxter from Mega Millions. He congratulated her — she was a winner. Eight million dollars. A life-changing amount for Mary.
He spoke with warmth and authority, even giving her a case number and describing what the televised prize presentation would look like. He knew her address and her age — tiny personal details that made him seem legitimate.
But there was one small detail to handle first, he said. The prize taxes had to be settled before the check could be released. To “prove” the prize was real, he offered to pay off two of her credit cards. She agreed, gave him the information for her Sam’s Club and Truist accounts, and the next day when she checked online, both showed zero balances — just as he had promised.
Then came the tax payments. Mary was instructed to go to her local bank, withdraw $6,000 in cash to “cover the taxes,” put the money in an envelope, and mail it overnight via UPS to an Indianapolis address. She was thrilled — she believed that once this small step was done, her $8 million check would soon arrive.
A few days later, another call came. The “bookkeeper,” a woman named Ella, said an additional $6,000 was needed to finalize the paperwork. Mary mailed another envelope.
The next day, Ella called again. She now needed a third $6,000 payment for her “bookkeeping services.” Mary hesitated — but the voice on the other end reminded her how close she was to financial freedom. “Just one more step, Mary.”
Then Michael called back. They’d “miscalculated” the tax owed, he said, and she’d need to send one more $6,000 payment — but that would be the last. Her winnings would be delivered by the end of the week.
The day after that, Michael called again, apologetic. He hadn’t realized she lived in Florida, so she’d need to pay Florida state tax — another $6,000. Once more, she withdrew the cash and mailed it off.
Finally, he called with good news. The $8 million check would be delivered to her home on Friday. All that was left was a $10,000 “final processing fee.” Mary had already emptied her savings, so she took a cash advance on her credit card to cover it and mailed that, too.
That night, she logged into her Sam’s Club and Truist accounts — and her heart sank. The balances had come back. The checks that “paid off” her cards had bounced. The banks had reversed the payments.
By the time her family realized what was happening, Mary had mailed more than $40,000 in cash — her savings, her credit-card advances, her future.
Based on reporting from WRTV Indianapolis.
Lessons Learned
The goal of this newsletter is to expose the playbook scammers use — so when they try it on you, you’ll recognize it in real time. Mary’s story shows how even good, careful people can get caught when trust, authority, and greed are woven together just right.
Always verify. If someone claims you’ve won a prize, hang up and contact the company directly using the official phone number or website. Mary should have called Mega Millions herself to confirm. Never assume a caller is who they say they are, no matter how official they sound.
Real winnings don’t require prepayment. Legitimate lotteries deduct taxes and fees before you ever receive a prize. You will never be asked to send money upfront for “taxes,” “processing,” or “delivery.”
Cash is a scammer’s best friend. No real organization asks for cash, Bitcoin, or gift cards as payment. Even bank wires and ACH transfers should be double-checked before sending — once the money is gone, it’s gone.
Involve others. Mary’s family stepped in only after it was too late. If something feels off, talk to a trusted friend or relative before you act. Scammers rely on secrecy and urgency — don’t give them either.
Greed clouds judgment. Mary was a kind, capable person, but the promise of $8 million overpowered her instincts. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it’s because it is.
Payments can be reversed. Seeing a “payment” in your account doesn’t mean it’s real. Fake deposits and checks can bounce days later. Always confirm with your bank that funds have fully cleared before making any decisions or sending money.
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