Rite-Aid Scam Targets Elderly With Phony Phone Calls From Jamaica: Officials Urge Caution

A Rite-Aid scam almost conned an elderly woman this week. Officials are warning people nationwide to be careful of phone calls from Rite-Aid, particularly if they involve winning a sweepstakes.

The Rite-Aid scam has likely duped several elderly people. The phone calls, which seem to originate from Jamaica, involve winning a sweepstakes. The victim is asked to pay for a pre-paid card to cover taxes on the win.

A Pennsylvania woman was almost duped this week. She recently received a call that she had just won a cash total of $18,000 from Rite Aid. But before she could collect her "winnings", she had to buy a $500 "Green Dot" prepaid card to "cover the taxes" on her fake win. She was asked to give the serial number to the caller - so that the crooks could use it on products for themselves.

The Pennsylvania woman, however, wasn't fooled. She called her son for advice and he agreed it was likely a bogus move to swindle her. She didn't lose a penny.

The calls most likely originate from Jamaica, but there are no suspects or leads yet. Officials are investigating. In the meantime, they warn customers to be cautious of calls from Rite-Aid, especially those involving a sweepstakes.