Sept 28: A man calls to congratulate Ms Tan on winning the third prize in his company's lucky draw. He says the company will call again to fill her in on the details.
Oct 1: Ms Tan is told she has won $150,000. She is asked to transfer $5,500 to a bank account in China as tax. She is then asked to pay another $10,200 to become a temporary member of the racing association giving the prize.
Ms Tan is able to transfer only $4,100 and asks the caller to help with the remaining $6,100. She is accused of bribery by the caller's supervisor. She later transfers the whole sum.
Amount lost: $15,700
Oct 3: Ms Tan pays $8,100 as proof she wasn't trying to bribe the previous caller.
Amount lost so far: $23,800
Oct 5: Ms Tan is told to open a bank account in Hong Kong with an initial deposit of $11,300 to allow the company to keep her 'winnings' in that account.
Amount lost so far: $35,100
Oct 8: Ms Tan is told to apply for permanent membership of the racing association. Membership fee: $26,266. She borrows the money.
Oct 11: Ms Tan transfers $12,000.
Amount lost so far: $47,100
Oct 12: The remaining $14,266 is transferred to two people in China.
The conmen then requests another $35,000 for taxes. She does not pay and makes a police report on Oct 30.
Total loss: $61,366