Thousands of seniors every year receive the scam message, “Congratulations! You’ve won the lottery!” For one man, however, that call didn’t just drain his savings, it cost him his life.
Abe was a trusting 67-year-old retiree who had been receiving calls for months from a scammer claiming he had won a multimillion-dollar lottery. Like many victims, he believed the caller when they said he only needed to pay “taxes” and “processing fees” to release his prize. He paid hundreds, then thousands, then tens of thousands of dollars to secure his life-changing grand prize… a grand prize that never existed.
More unfortunate, Abe was not the only one who believed this fantasy. Dee Dee, is live-in girl- friend, also fell for these lies. She saw the outgoing wire transfers, the frantic calls and the promises of a jackpot “about to arrive.” She “knew” a huge fortune was coming—a fortune she believed she deserved, as well. When the money did not appear, Dee Dee thought Abe was hiding the payout from her. When she confronted him, he told her he didn’t have any more money to send for the taxes and processing fees and that he hadn’t received anything at all. Upon hearing this, she thought he was lying and attacked Abe, fatally injuring him. The “lottery winnings” that never existed had destroyed two lives: his and hers.
This case highlights how deeply and dangerously criminals manipulate their victims. Scam artists know exactly what they’re doing—they build trust, create emotional dependence and manufacture hope. Victims often hide the scam from family out of embarrassment. Loved ones watching from the outside may misunderstand the situation, misinterpret the victim’s behavior or become entangled in the false belief that money is on its way.
Scams don’t just empty bank accounts. They destabilize homes, relationships and mental health. This case shows that the consequences can become deadly when fear, delusion and financial strain collide.
But there are ways to protect yourself and those you care about.
* In Hawai‘i, it is impossible and illegal to win a foreign lottery. Also, no legitimate lottery contacts winners by phone, text or social media. If you didn’t physically enter a contest, you didn’t win. Period.
* Be aware that you never need to pay money to receive prize winnings. Taxes, fees, customs charges—all fake. Requesting payment is the No. 1 giveaway of a scam.
* Keep communication open with trusted family. Scammers isolate victims by urging secrecy. If a loved one suddenly becomes secretive about finances, check in compassionately.
* Watch for sudden financial stress in a household. Unexplained withdrawals, new credit card debt or abrupt behavioral changes may signal a scam.
* Do not confront scammers or escalate disputes at home. If someone in your household is being scammed, contact police or Adult Protective Services.
Lottery scams are designed to destroy lives — emotionally, financially and, in rare cases, physically. The best defense is knowledge, honest conversations and early intervention. No jackpot or prize is ever worth a life.
HAWAI‘I STATE BAR ASSOCIATION
Senior Counsel Division
Alakea Corporate Tower, 1100 Alakea St., Ste. 1000
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-537-1868 | SCD@HSBA.org | HSBA.org
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