Brooklyn flight attendant arrested for $25,000 sweepstakes scam

Destiny Blake, a 24-year-old flight attendant from Brooklyn, was arrested at Miami International Airport following allegations that she defrauded a 75-year-old Florida resident of more than $25,000.

The scam reportedly began in November when the victim was contacted by someone claiming to represent Publishers Clearing House, stating she had won a prize but needed to send a $500 gift card to a person named Destiny Blake. Following this, the victim allegedly lost approximately $25,310 through a combination of cash, Zelle payments, and unauthorized credit card charges.

Authorities state that Blake used her American Airlines standby travel benefits to facilitate the fraud, including flying to the victim’s home in Palm Coast, Florida. Police report that Blake used the victim’s credit card for various expenses, including Apple products, eBay orders, Uber Eats, and salon services. She was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on an outstanding warrant and was subsequently released on a $30,000 bond.