Cookies on BBB.org

We use cookies to give users the best content and online experience. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to allow us to use all cookies. Visit our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Manage Cookies

BBB Scam Tracker

Back to search

Scam information

This content is based on victim and potential victim accounts. Government agencies and legitimate business names and phone numbers are often used by scam artists to take advantage of people.

Share and help us warn others

Description

On May 12, 2025, I received a phone call from James Wynter, who stated that he was calling on behalf of Reader's Digest and Publisher's Clearing House. He stated that I had been chosen as the winner of their sweepstakes. He told me that I had won 8.5 million dollars, a 2026 Mercedes-Benz, and a $500,000.00 life insurance policy. Mr. Wynter said that I did not have to pay anything to get my prize. Later that day, he called back and said that I needed to purchase a $150.00 Green Dot card to verify my prize. He stated that the prizes would be delivered the next morning. I purchased the $150.00 Green Dot card and gave him the information. The next day, he did not show up, but he kept calling me and saying that they are getting the paperwork done before the prizes could be delivered. On May 14, 2025, Mr. Wynter called and wanted me to pay $100.00 for an IRS stamp. He called me later that same day and told me that I would not have to pay the $100.00 because that has been taken care of. On May 16, 2025, Mr. Wynter called and wanted me to pay $1800.00 for storage of the Mercedes-Benz. I told him that I did not have $1800.00. He called me later the same day and said that he got a sponsor to help with some of the cost, but I would have to pay $150.00. I told him that I did not have the $150.00 either. On May 18, Mr. Wynter called me and wanted me to buy $50.00 worth of Bitcoin through my Cash App account and send it to him. He said that this would be the last thing that I would have to do. I purchased $50.00 worth of Bitcoin through my Cash App account and sent it to him. He said that he would be delivering the prizes on May 19, 2025, between 12 pm and 2 pm. Mr. Wynter called me on May 19, 2025 about 1:30 pm. He stated that he was waiting for the rest of the paperwork to be printed up, but the systems were down, and had been down for a couple of hours. He said that he would keep me posted. I have not heard from him since.

Dollars Lost

$200

Targeted Person's Location

NY, USA- 13440

Scammer Information
Scammer location logo

New York, NY- 10045

Mobile logo

(914) 275-9397

Web logo

Unknown URL

Scam Type

Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes

Learn More

Business name

Unknown

Date Reported

May 20, 2025

Scam ID

988373


Similar to your experience?

If you find a scam ID that matches your experience, tell us what happened and share the information you have.

Media or law enforcement?

Wish to dispute this scam report?