Winonan Scammed out of $9,500

Fort George G. Meade Public Affairs Office / CC

WINONA, Minn. (KWNO)-A Winona resident has been scammed out of $9,500.  

Winona Police say the person likely fell victim to a Publishers Clearing House scam. Officers say a potential scammer called the victim and instructed them to open a savings account and deposit $9,500 in order to claim their prize.  

Police say the scammer also instructed the victim to send several cash payments, which prompted the victim’s bank to alert them to the possibility they were being scammed.  

Officers say the victim was able to recover thousands in cash payments. Police Chief Deputy Jay Rasmussen said officers are investigating but point out scams are often conducted overseas where US authorities do not have Sopena power.