A long-running fraud scheme targeting an American woman came to a head this week as Dwayne Anderson, a 35-year-old Jamaican national, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota.
Anderson, previously extradited from Jamaica, admitted to orchestrating a scam that defrauded a California woman of more than $181,000.
How the Scam Worked
From 2010 through September 2017, Anderson used false identities to contact the victim via phone, text, and email.
Claiming she had won a massive sweepstakes, he convinced her to send money to cover various “fees and taxes” required to claim the winnings.
He repeatedly instructed her on who to pay and how, promising that her prize would arrive after each payment.
Despite her payments totaling over $181,000, the winnings never materialized, leaving the victim defrauded but thankfully safe.
Arrest and Extradition
Anderson was arrested on July 11, 2024, by Jamaican authorities following a U.S. indictment.
He was subsequently extradited to the United States in August 2024 and has remained in custody ever since, awaiting trial.
Statements from Authorities
Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate emphasized the Justice Department’s commitment to stopping cross-border criminal schemes:
“Anderson is the latest example in the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat these kinds of foreign-based schemes and hold those involved accountable.”
U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell added:
“Whether it happens in a rural community or a metropolitan area, the Department of Justice will ensure these criminals are held to account for their shameless targeting of vulnerable individuals and their hard-earned savings.”
Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) warned:
“If you target vulnerable Americans with schemes designed to steal their hard-earned money, you will become our target.
We will find you, we will stop you, and we will hold you accountable.”
Investigative Efforts
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service led the investigation, working closely with the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and law enforcement in Jamaica to secure Anderson’s arrest and extradition.
The case is being prosecuted by attorneys from the Consumer Protection Branch and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for South Dakota.
Resources for Elder Fraud Victims
Authorities encourage those aged 60 or older who may have been targeted by fraud to contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).
Managed by the DOJ’s Office for Victims of Crime, the hotline offers personalized guidance, helps victims report fraud, and connects them to resources that may aid in recovery.
Services are available in English, Spanish, and other languages, seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Learn More
For further information:
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Consumer Protection Branch: www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch
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U.S. Attorney’s Office for South Dakota: www.justice.gov/usao-sd
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DOJ Elder Fraud Initiative: www.justice.gov/elderjustice