Scammers using elders to prey on elders

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Scammers have come up with a new way to have elders prey on elders. In one recent case a 91-year-old Fresno resident mailed about $60-thousand in checks to three different people in the United States for her chance to claim a $3-million sweepstakes prize.

The investigation revealed that scammers had her send checks to other elders who then wired the money to Jamaica.

Fresno Police say it's no secret why the scammers prey on the older generation.

"The elderly are very trusting. They come from a generation where people didn't try to take advantage of them like they do now," said Sgt. Sherree Flores, Fresno Police Department Financial Crimes Unit.

Police say it's nearly impossible to recover any of the $60-thousand because it was sent outside the country. Authorities say anyone who asks you to wire or send money in order to win money is more than likely a scam artist.