An 85-year-old Lincoln man was victim in a sweepstakes scam over the telephone.

A person claiming to be with Publishers Clearing House called the man several weeks ago and told him he had won $250,000, said Lincoln Police Officer Katie Flood.

The person told the man had to send cash by Money Gram to pay for the taxes before he could receive his prize, Flood said.

He sent money three times to New York and Los Angeles for a total loss of $4,223, Flood said.