VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Shania Baptiste, 25, is behind bars after authorities say she and an accomplice scammed an 84-year-old woman out of thousands of dollars in a fake Publisher’s Clearing House sweepstakes scheme.
According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the elderly victim received a call last June from a man named “Jacob,” who told her she had won $1 million. However, in order to claim the prize, the victim was instructed to pay $32,500 in taxes upfront.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood was present on Wednesday as 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. Investigators revealed that the victim was initially directed to send a $20,000 check to Baptiste. After being warned by two banks that the transaction was part of a scam, the victim contacted “Jacob” again. He then instructed her to go to a third bank, where she was told to lie about the purpose of the withdrawal, claiming it was for her niece’s kitchen renovation.
The investigation continues, and Baptiste remains in custody. Her co-defendant has bonded out.
