By MINDY KEPFIELD

Staff writer

Hillsboro police are investigating a scam by a caller who stole $28,950 from a Hillsboro woman after identifying himself as an attorney for Publishers Clearing House.

The victim, 84, who asked not to be identified, sent money orders and gave the caller her Social Security Number and date of birth.

“The money was supposed to be used to pay county taxes through an escrow account,” Hillsboro officer Randy Brazil said.

Brazil sympathized with the woman but admits the case of a random caller “will be very difficult to solve.”

“The leads you have end up leading to road to nowhere,” Brazil said.

In the meantime, the community should be wary of sweepstakes scammers — or of anyone who demands money over the phone.

“If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably isn’t true,” he said. “You need to trust your gut instincts.”