A COUPLE who were told they had won $85 million on the lottery were left devastated after finding out the news was a scam.
The unnamed pair, from Colorado, fell victim to the hoax in April 2020 after being told they needed to send cash to get their Mega Millions winnings.
They wired $129,670.45 between April and June and lost their life savings, The News & Observer reports.
The couple were one of ten victims of the bogus scheme, authorities have said.
Terry Lynn Miller, 62, has now been sentenced to 57 months in prison for defrauding elderly victims across the US.
She pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, according to court documents.
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Miller said: "Life is not much fun anymore.
"I don’t work anymore and my cash flow is very low. I’m sorry for getting myself in this mess I got in. I will do right from now on."
In a statement the Justice Department wrote: "The victims were told the briefcases contained their winnings and that they would receive the combination to the lock when they paid their taxes and fees.
"However, Miller had packed the briefcases with Hampton Roads newspapers and magazines.
"In sum, about ten victims were defrauded of over $220,000. Some victims lost their life savings."
In happier lotto news, The Sun reported how one winner shared his winnings with a store owner who displayed an act of kindness just hours before the huge win.
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That act of goodwill comes just months after a pensioner melted the hearts of the nation when she decided to split her prize with a cashier who sold her the winning ticket.
Another winner said he didn't know he won for weeks after his bizarre way of checking numbers delayed him.
And a waiter who hit the jackpot has returned to work despite his win.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Ruby, of North Carolina, won a $192,941 state jackpot on May 11 after his numbers were inspired by the maths formula Pi.
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And, an unnamed player, from Michigan, won $2million after picking a scratch card that she liked the color and design.
She said the Multiplier scratchcard caught her eye when she bought it at Kelsey’s Market in Warren.
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