COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Federal prosecutors in South Carolina say 10 people are charged in a lottery scam.
U.S. Attorney Bill Nettles said Tuesday nine people from South Carolina and one person from Georgia had been charged as part of a conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
Prosecutors say the scammers targeted older people, notifying them that they had won a lottery or sweepstakes but needed to pay fees in advance in order to receive their winnings.
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Authorities say more than 200 people paid more than $1 million to receive their non-existent lottery prizes.
The defendants each face up to 20 years in prison and fines of $250,000 if convicted.
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