This Florida senior, 85, lost her life savings of $35,000 in fake lottery scheme by New York scam artists — Here’s how the fraud works and 3 ways to protect your nest egg

How the fraud unfolded

Baptiste's alleged accomplice Neilson Brooks was booked into the Volusia County jail, but posted bond and was released three hours later. Both Baptiste and Brooks face charges of Organized Scheme to Defraud and Grand Theft over $20,000.

The fraud began when con artists told an 85-year-old Daytona senior that she had won $1 million through Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes. Then they told her she needed to wire them $20,000 in taxes and fees to collect her winnings.

When the elderly woman went to the bank to wire the cash, tellers told her it was likely a scam. Then the con artists convinced the woman to go to another bank with a cover story that she was sending money to a family member for home repairs. When that transaction went through, they demanded more, collecting $35,000 in total.

The scam followed a familiar pattern: Friendly-sounding fraudsters contact elderly victims to tell them they’ve won money, but need to pay upfront fees or taxes. Victims are frequently coached on what to say when bank managers question them, even going so far as to lie.

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How to protect your nest egg from fraud

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office has managed to recover $20,000 and return it to the elderly woman, who may get the remainder of her money back pending the results of the trial. Many victims of this kind of fraud don’t get their money back, as wiring funds is like sending cash.

As more cases like this one emerge, law enforcement is cracking down on fraudsters. Still, your best line of defense is education. Learn to spot red flags, and don't be afraid to ask a trusted friend or family member for help.

Here are some tips to protect yourself and your loved ones from this kind of scam.

Be wary of unexpected wins

Legitimate sweepstakes don’t require winners to pay taxes upfront. Rather, taxes are generally paid when you file your taxes for the year. If you or a loved one receives a call asking for taxes before winnings are dispersed, hang up and block the number.

Involve trusted friends or family

Before making any large financial decisions, consult with a trusted friend, family member, or financial adviser. Fraudsters often pressure victims into secrecy; don’t let them isolate you. In fact it’s a red flag if they insist that you don't tell anyone.

Learn to spot red flags

Help friends and family members recognize signs of fraud. Tell them how con artists pressure people to send money, with claims like it’s a ‘time-limited offer,’ or you’ll be arrested if you don’t comply. Explain how wiring money is like sending cash in the mail as it's not always easy to see where it goes or retrieve it.

Block and report

If you receive messages from someone you think is a scammer, block their number. If you believe you have been scammed, contact your bank and police as soon as possible. In some cases, authorities can claw back funds or investigate where the funds went.

Meanwhile, Sheriff Chitwood issued this warning for scammers: “If we track you down in the continental United States, your a– is coming back here and let everybody see what a scumbag you really are.”