PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. — A 77-year-old Woodbridge woman lost over $130,000 in a long-running scam that led to the arrest of two suspects in February, police said.
Investigators found that the woman was contacted by a man claiming she had won a large sum of money and a vehicle, but needed to pay fees to collect her winnings. Over several months, she opened multiple bank accounts, provided debit cards, and attempted to buy a car, unknowingly handing over thousands to the scammers.
The suspects, identified as Darien Deventon Smith, 31, and Sheniece Elaine Smith, 32, both from Connecticut, allegedly orchestrated the scheme and took over $130,000 from the victim.
The two were arrested in Connecticut on Feb. 28 and charged with obtaining money by false pretenses and conspiracy to commit a felony.