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A WOMAN has lost her life savings after falling victim to a bold lottery scam, despite multiple warnings from bank officials.
An 85-year-old Florida woman was swindled out of $35,000 when a group of crooks tricked her into thinking she won a massive prize.
Shania Baptiste, 25, was extradited on February 19 from New York to Volusia County to face the charges for her alleged brazen scheme.
Baptiste, with two others, is accused of deceiving the elderly woman into believing she had won $1 million in the Publisher Clearing House Sweepstakes, according to police.
The scam began in June. Baptiste and another man, identified only as “Jacob,” allegedly pressured the elderly victim to send large sums of money.
They allegedly told her that in order to claim her prize, she would first need to pay taxes and fees.
The victim tried to wire $20,000 from her Truist account twice – but was stopped by bank tellers, who warned her it was a scam.
After telling the fraudsters about the bank’s refusal, the scammer gave her new instructions, investigators said.
She was told to go to another bank and lie to employees, claiming she needed to send money to a relative in New York for home repairs.
It worked. Cops said the victim successfully wired $20,000 to Baptiste’s Santander Bank account.
Baptiste and her alleged accomplice Neilson Brooks then demanded an additional $12,500, which the elderly woman sent.
TIP OF ICEBERG
When she realized the scam, it was too late. The money was gone.
“This is the tip of the iceberg with these two,” Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood told ABC local affiliate WFTV.
“NYPD crimes, I can’t thank them enough for all their help.
“But this is bigger than this,” Chitwood said.
But the scammers weren’t done.
Bank tips for avoiding scams
As scams become more sophisticated with the use of artificial intelligence, it is important you know how to spot a scam:
- Be skeptical of online deals that seem too good to be true, especially on social media.
- Scammers will often use tactics to make you panicked so you make quick decisions – be cautious if you are told to take immediate action and verify who has contacted you.
- Chase Bank warns customers to “never return any unexpected funds without calling Chase first.”
- Never send money to someone you have only spoken to online or by phone as this is likely a romance scam.
- Unless you 100% know who you are talking to, never give someone remote access to your device.
- Never accept help from strangers at an ATM and always be vigilant when making withdrawals.
- Do not send money or click any links indicating that you have won a prize.
Source: Chase.com
In September, investigators traced the funds to Baptiste’s frozen bank account, which led them to her.
NYPD detectives arrested her in December at the same address listed on a delivery confirmation sent by the victim.
After being sent back to Florida, Baptiste is now in custody, facing charges for her role in the scam.
Chitwood issued a warning to the public.
I hope and pray there’s a special place in hell for you and Nielson Brooks for what you did to an 85-year-old woman and stealing her life’s savings.”
Mike Chitwood
“Especially during tax season, be vigilant. Scammers are everywhere,” Chitwood said.
Baptiste insisted she was innocent.
“There weren’t any intentions for the money,” Baptiste said.
“When my lawyer is present, then an explanation will be given.”
She added, “I’m sorry for the crime that was committed but it was not me.”
Hours after being booked into Volusia County jail on February 15, Brooks was released on bond.
SHERIFF’S FIERY MESSAGE
Chitwood confronted Baptiste upon her arrival to Florida in a video posted on X.
“Shania, I am Sheriff Chitwood, and I want to let you know that we protect our seniors in this community,” Chitwood said as Baptiste stood stone-faced.
“That’s why you’re here.
“I hope and pray there’s a special place in hell for you and Nielson Brooks for what you did to an 85-year-old woman and stealing her life’s savings.
“And I hope you enjoy your stay here. Welcome to Florida.”
“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 and the way you’re dealing with the elderly in our communities,” Chitwood added.
Baptiste and Brooks are charged with grand theft and operating a fraudulent scheme involving over $20,000.
The sheriff’s office recovered $20,000 to give back to the victim.
Chitwood warned the victim might not get the entire amount back.
Publisher Clearing House Sweepstakes and Santander Bank didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment by The U.S. Sun.
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