The elaborate hoax started in March 2024, when the Woodbridge woman received a call from a man who claimed she had won a massive cash prize and a brand-new car—but first, she had to pay some fees to claim her winnings.
Over the next several months, detectives say the scammers manipulated the woman into sending money in various forms, opening multiple bank accounts, and even handing over debit cards linked to those accounts.
She also purchased money orders and even attempted to buy a vehicle, all under the belief that her big payday was just around the corner…