Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) – An elderly rural Rochester woman has been scammed out of more than $100,000.

A bank contacted the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office Friday to report the crime.

It was learned the 77-year-old woman had first been contacted last September and told she had won a $1.5-million Las Vegas lottery and a new Mercedes Benz car. She was told to send payments before she could collect the money and car.

Over the next several months, the woman sent numerous payments, including one totaling $21,000.

Sheriff’s Office Capt. Scott Behrns says the bank became suspicious immediately and talked to the woman but could not legally notify authorities without her permission. Another family member eventually became involved and reported the scam.

By then, the woman was out of $109,000.

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