More than $25,000 was allegedly taken from a 75-year-old woman in a scheme involving an American Airlines flight attendant. The flight attendant is accused of using free employee flights to reach the woman's home.
Apple products and Uber Eats orders were among the alleged uses of the money.
Here's what to know
Before the woman could collect a purported prize, she was told to send a $500 gift card to the flight attendant. The alleged scheme began with a caller posing as a Publishers Clearing House representative, according to View From the Wing.
Investigators attribute 88 credit card transactions totaling $10,590.30 to the flight attendant in addition to $14,220 she allegedly received in cash and through Zelle. Police say she later visited the woman's home and obtained authorized access to the woman's Apple credit card.
The woman, who had memory problems, could not recall the cash withdrawals or an encounter with the flight attendant, according to View From the Wing.
More background
The flight attendant allegedly used employee travel benefits to fly to the woman's home in November.
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View From the Wing said the flight attendant allegedly used the woman's card at two airports on her trip home. She left 15 minutes after arriving at the woman's home.
The purchases included an eBay order that cost $1,740.91 and Apple products totaling $1,523.16. Other charges featured T-Mobile, Ugg, and a hair salon.
View From the Wing reported numerous trips were booked through Uber and orders placed through Uber Eats. One Uber transaction was made in Jamaica during a layover.
What's being done?
A warrant had been outstanding when Customs and Border Protection officers arrested the flight attendant, according to View From the Wing. The arrest took place in a Miami airport on Oct. 23 after she arrived from abroad.
A $30,000 bond secured her release following her booking at the county jail.
Arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 24, according to View From the Wing.
Where can I learn more?
These similar stories cover similar scams.
• A Pennsylvania credit union official allegedly used an elderly woman's money for a Kentucky lodge.
• A North Carolina woman lost $2,000 to a fake deputy who knew her car.
• A teacher and single mother lost tuition and grocery money in a fake jury-duty scam.
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