Investigators from the Lynn Haven Police Department have arrested a sixty-seven-year-old, Hazlehurst, GA woman for her role in a “Publishers Clearing House Scam” that defrauded a local victim of more than $9,000.00.
The investigation began on January 28, 2023, when the victim reported to police that they had sent checks and funds via Green Dot pre-paid cards after having received a call telling them that they had won a $16.8 million dollar prize from the Publishers Clearing House.
However, before they could claim their prize, they would have to pay certain fees in order for the award to be processed.
After being asked for even more money, the victim contacted the real Publishers Clearing House and learned that they had been scammed.
During the investigation, the victim was told that an additional $10,000.00 in fees were required in order to process their winnings and that someone would personally meet with them to pick up the money.
A police surveillance operation was initiated and Bessie V. Trowell was taken into custody after she arrived at the pre-arranged meeting point to collect the victims’ money.
At that time, it was learned that Trowell had driven from her home in Georgia to pick up the victims’ money.
At the time of Trowells’ arrest, additional evidence was seized which indicated that she had been extensively involved in fraudulent activity over a period of time. Trowell was charged with Grand Theft and booked into the Bay County Jail where she will be held pending her First Appearance before a local Judge.
Lynn Haven Police would like to remind the public that you should NEVER send money to people that you do not know.
Requirements to send payments before you can claim a prize and/or payments that need to be made via pre-paid cards are known “Red Flags” that you are being scammed. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
The investigation is continuing, and additional charges are expected. Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact the Lynn Haven Police Department at (850) 265-4111.
