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Former Hawaii TV Anchor Loses $60,000 in Sweepstakes Scam
Linda Coble, 79, a former Hawaii television news anchor, reported losing nearly $60,000 after scammers posed as officials from U.S. Customs, the IRS, and the U.S. Marshals Office. The scammers used phone calls, letters, and a fake $5.5 million cashier’s check to convince her she had won a Publishers Clearing House prize.
May 20, 10:55 AM·1m read1 source
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A former Hawaii television news anchor said she lost nearly $60,000 after falling for a sweepstakes scam that began with a March phone call. U.S. Customs contacted her about a Publishers Clearing House prize. Over several weeks the caller instructed her to send checks and money orders to cover taxes and fees while directing her to keep the matter secret.
Coble said another woman calling herself “Gail O’Brien” repeatedly vouched for the caller’s credibility. U.S. Marshals Office. 5 million cashier’s check from Publishers Clearing House. Coble described the scammers’ daily calls and consistent encouragement as creating a sense of friendship and support. She said she never verified the identities of any of the individuals who contacted her.
The scheme unraveled when the scammers demanded an additional $20,000 payment to insure the prize. By that point Coble had withdrawn funds from her IRA and canceled a Prudential insurance policy to make the earlier payments. She told Hawaii News Now she now regrets not contacting family, friends, or her bank earlier.
Coble said she felt ashamed and embarrassed after realizing the extent of the loss.
