Jamaican Man Faces Federal Charges in Multi-Million Dollar Sweepstakes Scam Targeting Elderly Americans

In a case that underscores the growing threat of international fraud schemes targeting vulnerable populations, federal prosecutors have charged a 31-year-old Jamaican citizen with orchestrating a sophisticated sweepstakes scam that allegedly defrauded millions of dollars from older Americans across the United States.

The Scheme That Duped Thousands of Elderly Victims

Richard Murray, a Jamaican national, now faces serious federal charges in Connecticut after authorities allege he masterminded a yearslong fraudulent operation that began as early as 2018. According to court documents unsealed in New Haven, Murray and his co-conspirators systematically targeted elderly Americans through a deceptive Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes scheme that authorities describe as both elaborate and devastating.

The operation’s methodology was calculated and manipulative. Victims received unsolicited phone calls informing them they had won substantial prizes from Publishers Clearing House, one of America’s most recognized sweepstakes companies. However, there was a catch—before claiming their supposed winnings, victims were told they needed to pay various fees and taxes upfront.

What made this scheme particularly effective was its multi-layered approach to deception. After the initial phone contact, prosecutors say the group mailed forged documents that appeared to be official winning notifications from Publishers Clearing House, complete with counterfeit tax forms designed to mimic those issued by the Internal Revenue Service. These documents were carefully crafted to lend credibility to the scam and reassure victims that their payments were legitimate and necessary.

How the Fraud Operation Worked

The indictment paints a picture of an organized criminal enterprise with multiple moving parts. Once victims were convinced of the scheme’s legitimacy, they were instructed to send payments via cash, checks, or money orders to various addresses across Connecticut and other states. Many victims, believing they were on the verge of receiving life-changing winnings, made multiple payments after being told additional fees were required.

Federal investigators allege that Murray’s operation relied heavily on a network of “money mules”—individuals who received funds from victims and then transferred the money to Murray and his associates. Some of these mules were reportedly unaware they were participating in criminal activity, believing instead that they were involved in legitimate business transactions.

The scheme’s sophistication extended to financial infrastructure. Authorities claim the group recruited individuals to open bank accounts under false names specifically to move illicit funds. Some of these accounts were linked to ATM cards that were used in Jamaica, where cash withdrawals were made from money generated through the fraudulent scheme.

Legal Proceedings and Potential Consequences

A federal grand jury in New Haven returned a comprehensive indictment against Murray on April 16, 2024. The charges are severe and reflect the scope of the alleged criminal enterprise:

• One count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud
• Three counts of mail fraud
• One count of conspiracy to commit money laundering

Each charge carries a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in federal prison, meaning Murray could face up to 100 years behind bars if convicted on all counts.

Murray was arrested in Hampton, Georgia, on January 22, 2026, and subsequently transported to Connecticut for prosecution. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven on Wednesday, February 11, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges. Since his arrest, Murray has remained in federal custody.

The Broader Context of Elder Fraud

This case highlights a disturbing trend in criminal activity targeting America’s aging population. Elderly individuals are often particularly vulnerable to fraud schemes due to factors including isolation, fixed incomes, and sometimes diminished capacity to recognize sophisticated scams. The emotional manipulation involved in promising life-changing winnings can override rational judgment, especially when accompanied by official-looking documentation.

Publishers Clearing House, while a legitimate company that conducts real sweepstakes, has unfortunately become a common front for various fraudulent schemes. The company itself has warned consumers for years about scammers impersonating their brand to defraud unsuspecting individuals.

Law Enforcement Response and Public Safety

The investigation into Murray’s alleged activities involved multiple law enforcement agencies working across international borders. The case demonstrates the complex nature of modern fraud schemes, which often involve coordination between criminals in different countries and the exploitation of both technological and human vulnerabilities.

Federal prosecutors emphasize that while the charges against Murray are serious, he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The indictment represents the government’s allegations and must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

Authorities are encouraging anyone who believes they may have been targeted by similar schemes to report the incident to federal law enforcement. Early reporting can help prevent others from becoming victims and assist in building cases against perpetrators.

Protecting Vulnerable Populations from Fraud

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance when it comes to unsolicited communications about winnings or prizes. Legitimate sweepstakes companies do not require winners to pay fees upfront to claim prizes, and the IRS does not request tax payments through gift cards, wire transfers, or other unconventional methods.

Family members, friends, and caregivers of elderly individuals are urged to discuss these risks and help establish safeguards against potential fraud. Regular check-ins, monitoring financial activity, and educating loved ones about common scam tactics can provide crucial protection.

As the case against Richard Murray proceeds through the federal court system, it will likely provide further insights into the methods used by international fraud rings and potentially lead to additional arrests or charges as the investigation continues to unfold.

Tags: Jamaican national, sweepstakes scam, elder fraud, Publishers Clearing House, federal charges, mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, Connecticut court case, international fraud ring, money mules, elderly victims, Richard Murray, federal indictment, fraud prevention, victim protection

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