World · North America · 6 hrs ago
Flight attendant accused of defrauding Florida woman of more than $25,000
A 24-year-old American Airlines flight attendant was arrested at Miami International Airport over allegations she took part in a scam targeting a 75-year-old woman in Palm Coast, Florida.
Investigators say the scam began in November 2025, when someone pretending to represent Publishers Clearing House told the woman she had won a sweepstakes.
The woman lost an estimated $25,310, through payments and charges investigators link to the alleged scheme.
They say Blake used flight attendant travel benefits to visit the woman and that the victim’s bank card was used for purchases, rides and food orders.
The case highlights alleged financial abuse of an older adult, including the use of a false sweepstakes claim and access to financial accounts.
Blake faces charges including defrauding a person aged 65 or older of more than $20,000 and grand theft over $20,000.
She was released on a $30,000 bond, and investigators are asking anyone who believes they were targeted or had financial contact with her to call the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
An American Airlines flight attendant was arrested at Miami International Airport over allegations that she defrauded a 75-year-old Palm Coast woman of $25,310.
Investigators say Destiny Blake, 24, used flight benefits to travel to the woman’s home during a sweepstakes scam.
The alleged scheme began in November 2025, when the victim was told she had won a Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes.
Investigators say Blake received $14,220 from the victim and was an authorized user on the victim’s Apple Card.
Authorities identified 88 card charges totaling $10,590.30 between Nov. 16 and Dec. 11, 2025.
- Who
- Destiny Blake, a 24-year-old American Airlines flight attendant from Brooklyn, is accused of defrauding a 75-year-old woman.
- What
- Blake faces charges including organized scheme to defraud and grand theft. Investigators estimate the victim’s losses at $25,310.
- When
- The alleged scam began in November 2025. Blake was arrested Friday night; an arrest warrant was issued Oct. 13, 2026.
- Where
- The victim lived in Palm Coast, Florida. Blake was arrested at Miami International Airport.
- Why
- Investigators say the scheme involved a false sweepstakes claim and unauthorized use of the victim’s financial accounts.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Someone claiming to represent Publishers Clearing House allegedly told the victim she had won a sweepstakes.
Investigators identified 88 credit card charges totaling $10,590.30.
Blake allegedly flew standby from New York to Daytona Beach and traveled to the victim’s area.
An arrest warrant was issued, according to court documents.
Blake was arrested at Miami International Airport after arriving on an international flight.
- Victim
- 75-year-old Palm Coast woman
- Suspect
- Destiny Blake, 24, of Brooklyn, New York
- Estimated losses
- $25,310
- Payments allegedly received
- $14,220 through cash and Zelle
- Card charges
- 88 totaling $10,590.30
- Bond
- $30,000
3 sources
What people are saying
Most flight attendants use their benefits to see the world. Blake used hers to further a scam against a senior resident, live a lavish lifestyle using stolen bank cards and thinking she could get away with it.