ALBANY, NEW YORK – In a brazen scheme, Kevin R. Palmer, a 36-year-old Jamaican citizen, is accused of defrauding an elderly Albany couple out of more than $320,000 in a mail-based prize scam.
According to federal authorities, Palmer and his conspirators mailed documents to R.H. and D.H., an elderly couple residing in Albany County, informing them that they had won lottery and other prizes. The scammers told the victims that they needed to pay fees and taxes in order to claim their prizes.
As instructed by the scammers, R.H. and D.H. mailed bank checks to addresses in Georgia, including Palmer’s address. They mailed a total of 12 checks, with 10 of them payable to Palmer. All 12 checks were deposited into bank accounts for which Palmer was a signatory.
Palmer’s scheme was uncovered by the United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. He is currently in federal custody in Georgia pending further proceedings.
On October 4, Postal Inspectors arrested Palmer at his residence in Georgia. If convicted of mail fraud or mail fraud conspiracy, Palmer faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine.
Fraudsters often use the U.S. Mail to falsely inform victims that they have to pay ‘fees’ or ‘taxes’ in order to receive a tax refund, lottery or sweepstakes prize, or inheritance. These scams often target the elderly. To learn how to detect and avoid these scams, please visit the web site of the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0199-prize-scams.
The charges in the indictment and complaint are merely accusations. Palmer is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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