A Tipton County man is facing charges after Atoka police say he used a fake sweepstakes prize to pull money from an elderly victim.
What happened: The Atoka Police Department arrested Steven Frickert, 67, on Thursday, Oct. 29. He’s charged with financial exploitation of an elderly or vulnerable adult and theft of property, and his bond was set at $25,000, Action News 5 reported.
How it allegedly worked: Investigators say it started online. Frickert allegedly approached the victim under the pretense of talking about financial security and planning for the futures of the victim’s children and grandchildren. According to police, that offer of help turned into repeated demands for money. Frickert allegedly told the victim the payments were required to stay eligible for a $25 million Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes prize.
It’s bigger than one case: Police say the investigation has expanded across multiple states and has turned up tens of thousands of dollars in losses and financial transactions. Detectives have identified people in other states who may have relevant information, and the investigation is ongoing.
Keep in mind: Charges are accusations, not convictions. Anyone charged is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The takeaway for your family: Atoka police say a legitimate sweepstakes will never make a winner pay money to collect a prize. Be wary of anyone who asks for payments to release winnings or to “stay eligible,” and check in with older relatives about unexpected money requests and online relationships.
Have information? Call the Atoka Police Department at 901-837-5302.
Source: Atoka Police Department, as reported by Action News 5 (Oct. 30, 2026). WREG also reported the arrest.
Photo: Thomas R. Machnitzki / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
