A Massachusetts woman has been arrested after investigators say a fake prize scam drained nearly $500,000 from a Brunswick County, North Carolina man’s retirement savings.
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. — A North Carolina man’s life savings are gone after investigators say he was targeted in a sophisticated fake prize scam — and now a woman hundreds of miles away has been arrested in connection with the case.
Authorities say Sabrina Johnson was taken into custody in Massachusetts after being accused of playing a key role in a scam that cost a Brunswick County resident nearly $500,000.
“You Won $4 Million”… But There Was a Catch
According to investigators, the victim — an Ocean Isle Beach resident — was contacted earlier this year by individuals claiming to be affiliated with Publisher’s Clearing House, the well-known sweepstakes company.
The scammers allegedly told the man he had won $4 million and a Mercedes-Benz.
But before he could receive his “prize,” he was told he needed to pay various fees and taxes — including supposed charges tied to the IRS and FDIC.
Authorities say those requests were completely fake.
How the Money Was Taken
Investigators say the victim was manipulated into sending money in multiple ways, including mailing checks, purchasing gift cards, and sending payments to out-of-state businesses.
One of those entities was reportedly BTW Enterprises LLC, a company investigators say received more than $214,000 from the victim alone.
By the time the scam was uncovered, the man had lost hundreds of thousands of dollars, including funds pulled from his retirement accounts and investments.
Arrest Made — Extradition Pending
The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office says a criminal investigation led to arrest warrants being issued for Sabrina Johnson on two felony counts of Obtaining Property by False Pretenses.
Johnson was arrested in Marlborough, Massachusetts and is currently being held while awaiting extradition back to North Carolina, where she is expected to face the charges.
Authorities have not yet released details about her court date or bond.
