They say crime doesn’t pay—but apparently it can buy you a heated pool, a granite countertop, Caribbean cruises, and even a few escorts… at least until the feds show up with a 45-count indictment.
In this publication, we’re digging into a jaw-dropping case of betrayal from inside the very agency meant to protect us from scams: a former U.S. Postal Inspector accused of stealing over $330,000 from elderly victims’ mail.
A high-ranking postal fraud investigator allegedly flipped the script—helping himself to cash-filled packages that seniors had mailed after being duped by fake lottery schemes. Instead of stopping the crime, he became part of it.
How it worked:
Scott Kelley, 51, of Massachusetts, allegedly used unwitting postal employees to intercept nearly 1,950 packages mailed by elderly victims. Many of these victims, between ages 75 and 82, had been tricked by scammers into sending cash for “fees” or “taxes” to claim fake lottery prizes. Instead of protecting these people, Kelley allegedly opened the parcels, pocketed the money, and laundered it through personal luxuries.
He’s also accused of stealing from an evidence vault, lying during investigations, and even blaming a subordinate for missing funds. According to prosecutors, his spending spree included:
- $20,500 for a pool patio
- $4,888 for lighting around his outdoor bar
- $4,300 for drinks on Caribbean cruises
- $15,400 on escorts, coordinated with a burner phone
Who’s targeted:
The real victims here were seniors already targeted by international lottery scams. They mailed cash in good faith, believing they were securing life-changing winnings—only for it to be intercepted by someone sworn to protect them.
Real-life example:
One elderly victim met with Kelley in person after their package disappeared. Instead of help, Kelley allegedly told them it was their fault for mailing cash. None of the seven identified victims ever recovered their money.
Why you should care:
This case isn’t just about one rogue inspector—it’s about trust. If scams can reach into the very institutions designed to protect us, victims are left even more vulnerable. Beyond financial loss, the emotional toll on seniors—losing savings and confidence in the system—is devastating.
How to protect yourself (and loved ones):
- Never mail cash. If anyone asks you to send money for fees, taxes, or prizes, it’s a scam.
- Verify requests directly. Call the organization using official contact info—not numbers provided in a letter or email.
- Talk openly with older relatives about lottery and sweepstakes scams. Education is prevention.
- Report suspicious requests immediately to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) or local law enforcement.
- Trust your gut. If it feels off, it probably is.
Quick Tips:
- Quick Tip #1: Did you know? Real lotteries never ask winners to pay upfront fees or taxes before collecting prizes.
- Quick Tip #2: Pro Tip: Write this rule on a sticky note near your phone: “If I have to pay to win, it’s a scam.”
Stay safe, stay informed, and remember: sometimes the biggest scammer isn’t a stranger on the phone—it’s the one hiding in plain sight.
Keyword Definitions:
- Mail Fraud: A crime involving the use of postal services to commit fraud.
- Mail Theft: The illegal taking of items, including money, from mailed packages.
- Money Laundering: Concealing the source of illegally obtained money by passing it through legitimate transactions.
- Structuring: Breaking down cash deposits to avoid triggering federal reporting requirements.
- Evidence Vault: A secure storage area for items collected during investigations, meant to be protected from tampering.
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