Former Hawaii News Anchor Scammed Out of $60,000

A former TV news anchor in Hawaii expressed feeling “embarrassed” after being swindled out of nearly $60,000 by scammers posing as Publishers Clearing House representatives.

Linda Coble, 79, who made history in 1971 as the first female television anchor in Hawaii, shared her story of being duped during a phone call in March from someone claiming to be Mike Diamond, a customs agent.

“I won $5.5 million in the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes,” Coble recounted to Hawaii News Now.

She mentioned needing to go through various steps to supposedly receive the check.

“How do you think I’ll feel?” she questioned. “I understand that very well; I think I believed it to some extent.”

Over several weeks, the scammer directed her to send checks and money orders to cover taxes and fees associated with the fake prize, insisting on secrecy to maintain the surprise.

Gradually, the caller’s consistent contact made her feel a strange sense of attachment. She even admired the con artist’s “consistency” and “friendship.”

“He was very friendly on the phone and called almost every day,” she said.

The deception escalated when another woman, introducing herself as “Gail O’Brien,” repeatedly vouched for the caller’s credibility.

Coble also received letters and emails from individuals claiming to represent the IRS and the U.S. Marshals Service.

She acknowledged that she never took the time to verify their identities.

“I trusted them,” Coble admitted.

She explained that the scammers effectively fostered a familial bond throughout her interaction with them, especially concerning her spending to claim the supposed prizes.

The criminals even sent her what looked like a genuine $5.5 million cashier’s check to further convince her of the winnings.

“I was constantly overwhelmed by their kindness and support,” Coble reflected. “I didn’t realize I’d made such a mistake and was too embarrassed to reach out for help.”

It only became clear she was being scammed when the scammers asked for another $20,000 for “insurance” on her winnings. By that point, she had lost an astonishing $60,000.

“I had to withdraw from my IRA and liquidate my Prudential account. All my savings are now gone,” Coble said.

“I should have reached out to my friends and family, or called the bank,” she added, realizing retrospectively how crucial that could have been.