Swindlers Use KIRO Name In Sweepstakes Scam

A south sound couple who was tricked out of thousands in a sham sweepstakes said the scammers used the KIRO 7 name to convince them they were winners of a $1 million prize, reported KIRO 7 Eyewitness News.

The Tacoma couple told KIRO 7 they were ecstatic when they received a letter saying they'd won nearly $1 million in a sweepstakes.

The couple lost their home to foreclosure last year, they're currently in bankruptcy and one of the victims suffers from severe diabetes.

The crooks told the victims that they've won the money, but before they can collect, they must first pay certain fees, taxes or registration costs.

The couple was told to wire $2,600 to Costa Rica via Western Union, a common tactic used by scammers so money order can't be cancelled or traced.

On Monday, the couple sold their truck to raise the money. In all, they ended up paying $5,000 in "fees."

In addition, the swindlers told the couple that a KIRO 7 News crew was ready to deliver balloons and roses at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Once the couple realized they had been victimized, they were instructed to contact the State Attorney General, but Assistant Attorney General Doug Walsh said since most sweepstakes scams originate in foreign countries, there's little law enforcement can do.

"People fall for them. Not everybody, but enough that it makes it extraordinarily profitable and we have to educate each other and defend ourselves," said Walsh.

The couple said they're now educated, but it's been a costly lesson.