An 83-year-old Salina woman was scammed out of $3,500 in a gift card fraud scheme that began on September 16, 2024. The victim received a call from a man claiming to represent "2024 FHCS Worldwide Promo/Agent" and posing as a former high school acquaintance. He convinced her to purchase $3,000 worth of gift cards, promising a $100,000 prize in return.
Initially, the woman purchased two $500 Amazon gift cards by mistake, which angered the scammer. She was then directed to buy Apple gift cards, which she sent. The scammer claimed the IRS had frozen her winnings, demanding an additional $3,000 in gift cards. Over several days, the victim bought more gift cards, including a $700 and a $200 card, and also discovered a fraudulent $500 charge on her credit card.
This scam unfolded between September 16 and 26, with local authorities warning the public to be cautious of requests for gift card payments. They emphasize that government agencies do not request gift cards and urge people to report suspicious purchases, especially involving elderly community members.