Carl Dean Bullock Pleads Guilty to Elderly Lottery Scam

A South Los Angeles man has admitted to preying on elderly Americans with a cruel lottery hoax, falsely promising life-changing cash prizes and luxury cars in exchange for upfront fees. Carl Dean Bullock, 65, pleaded guilty Monday to federal mail fraud and wire fraud charges before United States District Judge George H. Wu.

Bullock’s scam relied on deception and desperation. Victims were told they had won major sweepstakes, including the Publishers Clearing House lottery, but needed to pay taxes, insurance, or processing fees before claiming their rewards. These lies were delivered through phone calls and mailed documents designed to mimic official correspondence — all fabricated to extract money from vulnerable seniors.

According to his plea agreement, Bullock participated in a cross-border fraud network that collected payments through Western Union, MoneyGram, U.S. Mail money orders, and direct cash drops. He personally received at least $45,000 — funds he split with co-conspirators, most of whom operated from Jamaica. The scheme weaponized trust and isolation, targeting victims who believed they’d finally struck fortune.

“This defendant’s fraud scheme targeted elderly victims with false promises of cars and cash prizes,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “All those who receive telephone calls from people promising prizes in exchange for money must be very wary and should take steps to confirm the reliability of the source of the call prior to sending anything.”

Robert Wemyss, Los Angeles Postal Inspector in Charge, praised the joint investigation between federal and local agencies. “This investigation was an excellent example of a partnership between local and federal law enforcement agencies, working together to ensure that the nation’s mail system is not used as a tool for fraud.” The U.S. Postal Inspection Service led the probe, with critical support from the Glendale Police Department.

Bullock faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count of wire and mail fraud. Sentencing is scheduled for April 17 before Judge Wu. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael G. Freedman of the General Crimes Section. The scam serves as a grim reminder: if it sounds too good to be true, it’s likely a con — especially when the caller asks for cash first.