Woman nearly duped out of $5,000

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Police said an elderly woman who was nearly duped out of $5,000 after a con man told her she had won millions of dollars and a car.

All she had to do was pay the taxes up front.

Police call it a “long con” involving con men who will call repeatedly until the victims believe they've actually won something.

The con man called back when when an Albuquerque Police Department officer was in the woman's house.

“The bank sent me over to make sure you are OK,” Officer Simon Drobik said. “What happened?

“Some guy called,” Margaret said.

Police said Margaret went to her bank Monday to withdraw $5,000. She told the teller she was a big winner and needed the money to pay the IRS for the winnings.

The teller called the manager. The manager then called police.

“They pretty much knew she was being scammed,” Drobik said.

Drobik's lapel camera was rolling as he went to the woman's home. However, not long after he arrived the phone rang. Drobik said it was the con man, and he wanted to make sure Margaret was alone.

“I don't think they want anyone interfering.  They want to keep it one-on-one,” Drobik said.

The con man had more to tell Margaret about her winnings. He even blamed her for missing her prize drop-off when she went to the bank.

“The guys came to your home today, and they saw a pink looking house in a square, in a roundabout, that is a pinkish looking house,” con man said on the phone.

Drobik said a description of the home could have anyone believing the caller's story is true. But he said it is all part of the game.

“I tried to explain to her they probably used Google images and Google Earth and they're sitting in Jamaica looking at her house,” Drobik said.

A quick search of the number the call came from tracked it to Jamaica. Police said the calls will continue until she sends the money.

Drobik said Margaret chose not to send the money. However, she was still slightly convinced they could be in town.

Police said there are reports that if one of these guys calls and leaves a message for you, and you actually call the 876 number an automatic $50 charge is added to your phone bill.

If that's true, even if you don't send any cash the con men still win.