A Providence woman was arraigned in federal court today on charges of fraud and taking advantage of seniors and vulnerable individuals.
In June, a federal jury indicted Megan E. Shine, the woman at the core of a fraudulent mail-order sweepstake scheme. The District of Rhode Island charged Shine with four counts of mail fraud and one count of conspiracy today.
Shine faces fraud and conspiracy charges
Shine is alleged to have used the U.S. Mail service to perpetrate a fraud scheme that swindled the elderly and vulnerable individuals. She reportedly set up Lucky Dog LLC and Destiny Merchandise LLC as a front for the mail order fraud.
Victims of the scheme were alleged to have made multiple $20 and $30 payments to Shine’s Providence postal address. Shine’s company promoted cash and prize rewards to those bombarded by bogus communications.
Shine’s correspondence was personalized with the recipient’s name and sported a deadline for a “handling” or “processing” fee for the winnings to be paid.
The Justice Department stated that Shine also added government seals and logos to make the correspondence seem official.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha for the District of Rhode Island said, “Preying on the hopes of elderly and vulnerable victims for profit and using fraudulent mailings to persuade them to part with their hard-earned money takes a terrible toll- financially and mentally.”
The case against Shine involves the United States Postal Inspection Service, and she is being prosecuted by the District of Rhode Island and the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch.
“Mass mail fraud schemes defraud elderly and vulnerable consumers out of millions of dollars every year,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and its law enforcement partners are committed to vigorously pursuing all individuals who prey on vulnerable and elderly victims through these types of fraudulent schemes.”
If a federal district court judge finds guilty, Shine faces a maximum penalty of 20 years. After considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors, the judge will determine any sentence.
Image: Pixlr.
