VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A woman is in jail, and her co-defendant has bonded out after authorities said they scammed an 84-year-old woman out of thousands of dollars in a fake Publisher’s Clearing House sweepstakes.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said the victim received a phone call last June from a man named “Jacob,” who claimed she had won $1 million. However, to claim the prize, she was told she needed to pay $32,500 in upfront taxes.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood was on hand Wednesday as one of the suspects, 25-year-old Shania Baptiste, arrived in Daytona Beach following her arrest in New York.
“Shania, I am Sheriff Mike Chitwood, and I want to let you know that we protect our seniors in this community,” Chitwood said as she was taken into custody.
Baptiste faces felony charges of fraud and grand theft.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
Investigators said the victim was first instructed to send a $20,000 check to Baptiste. After attempting to withdraw the money at two Volusia County banks, both of which warned her she was being scammed, she called “Jacob” back. He then directed her to a third bank and told her to lie, saying the money was for her niece’s “kitchen renovations.”
On June 6, the victim mailed the check. Soon after, she received another call demanding an additional $12,500 for a supposed tax debt. Despite warnings from a shipping store employee that she was being scammed, she sent the second check.
Authorities from Volusia County worked with the NYPD to locate Baptiste, who denied any involvement.
“I’m sorry for the crime that was committed, but it was not me,” Baptiste said. “When my lawyer is present, then an explanation will be given.”
Scams impersonating Publisher’s Clearing House are not new. In March 2023, an Ocala nurse mistakenly sent $1,500 to a fraudster through prepaid gift cards. The company warns on its website: “At PCH, the winning is always free, and you NEVER have to pay to claim a prize.”
Sheriff Chitwood vowed to hold fraudsters accountable.
“I sure as hell can make sure if we track you down in the continental United States, your ass is coming back here,” he said.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: