Central Point couple scammed out of Tens of Thousands.

Central Point, Ore — Intrigued by the promise of a multimillion dollar prize a Central Point couple ended up forking-over nearly everything they own.

Now they’re out $35,000 and a truck and they’re spreading the word about how easy it can be to fall victim to false claims.

It was a 77 million dollar prize from a fake company called American Cash Awards.

By the time the Leglers knew what was happening, it was too late, they had already given the scammers virtually everything.

“It was a pretty bad deal I guess,” said Gary Legler.

Legler thought he had hit the jackpot.

“The seven checks with 11 million dollar, put them on a page and sent them to me,” said Legler.

There was a catch, to get his winnings Gary and his wife Judy had to send back a deposit.

“I got the money and sent the two 10 thousand dollar checks and we hit the quiet zone all of a sudden,” said Legler.

The calls kept coming and the scammers pressed on. The Leglers even sold their truck to make a payment.

“This is really effecting my personal life, this guy calling, like 6 to 7 times a day, he won’t quit,” said Legler.

Two checks eventually came and the Leglers say the checks immediately bounced.

“They bounced like a basketball, really bad,” said Legler.

Concerned for their customers the Legler’s bank called the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

“The sad part is, with a lot of these scams is they’re out of country, so even the department of justice, doesn’t have the long arm of the law to get that,” said Lt. Marty Clark.

Much of their life savings is now gone. More than $35,000 dollars in all.

Lt. Clark says you should always be aware of scams, especially the elderly. Some should even consider giving the power of attorney to a trusted family member or friend.

Deputies emphasize to never pay money to receive a prize or cash. They say if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.