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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sirens & Gavels

Valley woman, 84, scammed of $1,500

An elderly Spokane Valley woman lost nearly $1,500 this year to a con man who claimed she'd won a new car.

The Spokane Valley Police Department is reminding people to talk with their elderly parents about phone, mail and email scams after the 84-year-old woman's daughter reported the fraud to Crime Check and said the thief calls her mother daily seeking more money.

The victim sent $1,475 to an address in Jamaica in March after a caller claiming to represent Morgan Stanley International told her she had won a new car and only had to pay them sales tax to collect it, Sgt. Dave Reagan said.

Reagan said such swindles "are nearly impossible to investigates and prosecute" because the culprits typically live outside the country.

He said people with elderly relatives "should insist that elders discuss with them any contest, lottery or other prize offers before sending any money for “taxes,”  “border fees” or other claims of money owed."



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