Deputies are warning about a fraud attempt, where a scammer tried to lure a Whiteland resident in with a promise of a Mercedes Benz and a multi-million dollar sweepstakes consolation prize.

The only catch was that the victim was supposed to send in $299 to cover the Indiana taxes so he could claim the award.

Johnson County deputies report that the would-be victim recognized that it was a scam attempt and played along, gathering more information. The caller claimed to be named Michael Anderson and calling from the 775 area code, which is in Nevada. The would-be vctim was told to mail the check to a Florida address by express mail.

And the scammers suggested he should keep his good fortune confidential, because they would soon be mailing a lot of cash to his home. The resident called deputies who were present for the return call.