Event Brief
East TN veteran loses $100K to sweepstakes scam
Filed: Aug 03, 2026 at 6:00 PM ET
Summary: A retired Navy chief in Knoxville says he paid taxes/fees after a sweepstakes text, losing $100,000 to scammers.
WHO: A retired Navy chief and East Tennessee veteran with dementia
WHAT: A sweepstakes/prize scam that demanded taxes and fees before releasing winnings
WHEN: Aug 03, 2026 at 5:01 PM ET
WHERE: Knoxville, Tennessee
WHY: He was told he had to pay taxes and fees to receive sweepstakes winnings and other prizes.
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