I received a call from a restricted number claiming that I had won a sweepstakes that randomly selected Walmart shoppers through random phone numbers. I was told I had won 2.5 million dollars and a new white Mercedes. I told him I did not believe him, but he convinced me. He swore on the life of his children, went on about how he knew I was going to do good things with my money, and laughed and joked with me until I gave in.
He said that to receive my prize I had to pay 475.99 for the shipping of the check and car through Western Union, and that I would receive my prize today. I told him I was very uncomfortable with the idea of sending money through Western Union. He convinced me it was safe and that my money would be refunded. He stayed on the phone with me for hours while I waited. Eventually he told me the IRS had stopped the delivery truck and that there was another fee, and I knew I had been fooled.
I felt like an idiot. It is a shame that there are people who prey on the gullible and hopeful in this way. It is also a shame that there are people like me who know better and still get scammed. I can't believe I believed it and just sent them money like that.
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