Florida man arrested in connection with Publishers Clearing House scam: WCSO

Olivia Wilson
·2 min read
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WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) — A Florida man faces felony charges after he impersonated an IRS agent for a Publishers Clearing House scam, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies with the WCSO arrested 38-year-old Terrance George Owens, of Orlando, after he showed up for a staged meet-up to collect money for a scam, according to a WCSO news release.

Terrance George Owens's mug shot, placed on a blue background with the WKRG.com logo
Sheriff’s deputies arrested 38-year-old Terrance George Owens after he allegedly showed up for a staged meet-up to collect money for a scam. (Courtesy: Walton County Sheriff’s Office)

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Officials say an 82-year-old victim had contacted the Walton County Sheriff’s Office after being scammed out of $20,000.

According to the release, the victim had received phone calls from a woman who claimed to be with Publishers Clearing House.

After obtaining the victim’s trust, the woman allegedly convinced the victim that he and his wife had won millions of dollars in prices but that he had to prepay part of the taxes to the IRS.

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The victim reportedly was convinced to provide $19,500 to a person claiming to be an IRS agent.

According to reports, the meet-up happened in the parking lot of McDonald’s in Freeport. The victim described the suspect as “a well-built black male wearing nice clothing,” according to the release.

Following the delivery, a woman called the victim and told him an additional $30,000 was needed because the prize was increased to $74.5 million, a brand-new car, and $550,000 in cash.

A meet-up was then arranged, and investigators with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office posed as the victim.

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Deputies with the Walton County Sheriff's Office arresting Terrance George Owens in a parking lot. Owens is wearing a mask and is being handcuffed. Two deputies are standing behind him and one is standing infront of him. A white car is in the background of the photo.
Deputies with the Walton County Sheriff's Office arresting Terrance George Owens in a parking lot. Owens is wearing a mask and is being handcuffed. Two deputies are standing behind him and one is standing infront of him. A white car is in the background of the photo.

According to reports, Owens was arrested after he told an undercover investigator that he was there to pick up money and took a bank bag from him.

After his arrest, investigators were able to confirm Owens was the suspect who posed as an IRS agent, the release said.

Owens was charged with grand theft, impersonating a federal agent, exploitation of the elderly, scheme to defraud, and using a two-way communication device to commit a felony.

He is being held at the Walton County Jail on a $100,000 bond, according to the release. Officials say additional charges are forthcoming.

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