Trey Mewes, Austin Daily Herald, Minn. –
A 57-year-old Austin, MN man was nearly defrauded after someone told him he won $8.5 million and a Mercedes Benz Friday.
The man was told over the phone Friday afternoon that he won $8.5 million and a Mercedes Benz from a clearinghouse, according to Police Chief Brian Krueger.
Krueger said the man was told to send $4,500 via Western Union to cover taxes and fees on the winnings. The man became suspicious after he asked to speak to a supervisor to confirm his winnings and was denied. The man did not send the money and reported the incident to police at around 3:45 p.m., Krueger said.
“It never hurts to keep the public informed that this continues to be happening,” Krueger said of the attempted fraud. “If it looks too good to be true, then it probably is too good to be true.”
