Columbia County man loses around $62K in sweepstakes scam

An elderly Columbia County man lost about $62,000 in a scam that claimed he had won $10 million and a Mercedes-Benz in a sweepstakes.

State Police said Lance Norman, 36, of Queens, had contacted a Chatham resident to inform him that he won the Publisher’s Clearing House contest and needed to pay taxes on the prize money upfront.

On two separate occasions, according to police, the victim arranged to meet Norman in the city of Hudson and turned over large sums of money.

Police put out a description of Norman and his vehicle to law enforcement agencies across the region. He was stopped in Westchester County. Norman admitted to meeting with the victim on two occasions and had cash in the vehicle, police said. 

Norman was charged with second-degree grand larceny and conspiracy. He was released on an appearance ticket and due in Hudson City Court on May 15. 

Police are reminding the public to remain vigilant against scams and report any suspicious activity involving financial fraud.