Wylie, TX – Debra Krom, 36, is facing federal charges for her alleged role in a cruel lottery scam targeting elderly and vulnerable individuals across the United States. U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced yesterday that Krom was charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, a crime that preys on the hopes and savings of those least able to defend themselves.
The scheme, operating between August 2013 and December 2015, involved convincing victims they’d won the Publisher’s Clearing House sweepstakes or similar lotteries. Krom and her co-conspirators allegedly contacted victims via Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones, demanding “fees” or “taxes” be paid upfront – in cash, checks, wire transfers, or other forms – before the supposed winnings could be claimed. The promise of a windfall was a lie, designed to empty bank accounts.
Investigators believe the names and personal information of the victims originated from an unknown source, but were used by individuals believed to be based in Jamaica. These individuals either directly contacted victims or directed others to do so, laying the groundwork for Krom and her stateside network to collect the fraudulent payments. This wasn’t a random operation; it was a calculated effort to exploit trust and desperation.
Crucially, the investigation revealed Krom wasn’t acting alone. Co-conspirator Andre Bowyer, already charged in a related case (16-96 “J” in the Eastern District of Louisiana), allegedly directed Krom and another accomplice, identified only as A.S., to open bank accounts in the U.S. These accounts served as temporary holding pens for the money stolen from victims before being funneled to Bowyer’s account in Jamaica. The entire operation was a carefully constructed pipeline for illicit funds.
According to the Bill of Information, Krom, A.S., and others worked in concert with Bowyer to deceive elderly victims into believing their lottery dreams were real, ultimately causing them to send money through the U.S. Postal Service or via wire transfer. Once the funds arrived, they were swiftly transferred overseas, making recovery virtually impossible. The U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and Homeland Security Investigations all contributed to the investigation.
If convicted, Krom faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. Attorney Evans stressed that the charges are allegations, and Krom is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharan E. Lieberman is prosecuting the case. This case serves as a grim reminder of the relentless targeting of vulnerable populations by predatory criminals.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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