Full Breakdown
Florida Seniors Lose Home and Savings to Years-Long Sweepstakes Scam
6/25/2026, 2:58:01 AM
The Scam’s Core Event
In March 2023 a caller posing as Susan Smith, claiming to represent Publishers Clearing House, told 74-year-old Merdine James and her 87-year-old husband Fritz in Stuart, Florida, they had won a $4 million sweepstakes. The scam demanded upfront taxes and wire transfers to Jamaica. From 2023 to February 2026 the couple sent over $141,000, leading to foreclosure in July 2025 and loss of their vehicle.
Context & Statistics
The FTC reports a four-fold rise in scams over $10,000 since 2020. Florida ranked second in the FBI’s 2023 Elder Fraud Report with 8,138 complaints and $293 million losses. The state’s Sheriffs Association estimates 88,000 senior victims annually, and the National Sheriffs’ Association recorded 60,000 victims losing $38 million to Jamaican sweepstakes in 2015.
Official Statements & Responses
Stuart Police Lt. Brian Bossio confirmed a case report was filed and shared with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, which opened its own investigation. The Port St. Lucie Police Department noted it could only pursue funds lost while the victims lived there. Florida DCF, via Adult Protective Services, approved a temporary grant for assisted-living care through March 2026. The Florida Attorney General’s Office was also notified.
Criticism & Opposition
Volunteer Kirstin Mikalauskas said law-enforcement “can do little” to recover the Jameses’ money and criticized DCF’s delayed grant, which forced reliance on charitable rent reductions. Advocates cite systemic gaps in prevention, rapid response and cross-border coordination.
On-the-Ground Reports
Merdine James said she wanted a stable place to settle in old age and was reluctant to accept handouts, recalling a moment holding $1,349 in cash outside a bank while weighing mortgage payments against hopes the scammer would return the money. Mikalauskas reported the couple had no money or alternative housing.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The loss is described as both “more than $141,000” and “over $141,000.” National data vary: the FTC cites a four-fold increase in large scams, the FBI reports $3.4 billion senior losses in 2023, and the Florida Sheriffs Association notes 88,000 annual victims. No public record details the wire-transfer routes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They had no money and no place else to go,” — Kirstin Mikalauskas, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church outreach worker
- “I just wanted a place to settle in our old age,” — Merdine James, 74
- “I worked so hard my whole life. I never wanted to take a handout,” — Merdine James, 74
- “She must feel confident that she won’t be found,” — Kirstin Mikalauskas, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
What’s Next
Authorities continue to prosecute Roshard Andrew Carty on fraud and elder-exploitation charges. The Jameses await a Medicaid waiver for permanent assisted-living placement. Community groups seek donations to cover the shortfall after DCF’s grant lapsed. Law-enforcement pledges improved cross-border coordination.
