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North Dakota Woman Convicted in International Lottery Scam
A federal jury in North Dakota convicted a Providence, Rhode Island woman after a week-long trial on all 15 counts for her participation in a Jamaican lottery fraud scheme, which has affected about 100 identified victims with reported losses totaling more than $6.7 million.
Melinda Bulgin, 28, was convicted on conspiracy and substantive mail fraud and wire fraud charges, as well as one count of money laundering conspiracy. According to the evidence presented at trial, Bulgin worked with members of a Jamaican lottery fraud conspiracy in the United States and Jamaica, and had multiple roles in the scheme.
The scheme’s conspirators located in Jamaica purchased lists containing information about U.S. citizens, and contacted them over the phone. They told victims they had won large cash prizes and cars, but would need to pay taxes and fees in order to receive the prize. The scammers deliberately targeted victims over the age of 55. Victims were first courted with the lure of prizes, and additional scam callers would then also identify themselves as FBI, IRS or other trusted authorities that falsely confirmed that the prize winnings were real.
Somewhere, victims lost their savings, their life insurance and their homes before running out of money and turning to public or family assistance. Victims lost anywhere from $200 to more than $100,000.
Evidence presented at trial further showed that Bulgin participated in the scheme via several roles – by buying the names of future victims to call, by collecting checks and cash from victims at her home address, and via wire transfers victims sent to her bank accounts. She also sent fraudulent mailings, such as letters and photos of the fake checks, to victims to convince them of their prize.
“Melinda Bulgin and her coconspirators deliberately targeted senior citizens as part of a lottery fraud scheme that affected dozens of victims, some of whom lost their life savings, life insurance, and even their homes,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski. “The conviction in this case is the result of the hard work and determination of our domestic and foreign law enforcement partners, along with the prosecutors in the District of North Dakota and Criminal Division—and it demonstrates our firm commitment to stopping those who exploit senior citizens and other vulnerable populations.”
Key Facts
- State: North Dakota
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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