May 2, 2008 - 5:31PM

Medford Man Helps Bring Scammer to Justice

With new technologies a scam artist could be targeting you from down the road or from the other side of the world, and cyber investigators say that makes it difficult to track them down.

A scam artist can make a phone call or log in to a computer any where to try to steal your money and your identity. A Medford man had a rare opportunity to help bring a multi-million dollar scammer down.

Daniel Stallsworth was tricked four years ago into giving his credit card number out over the phone.

"They kept taking my money, taking my money. I couldn't stop them. It was a nightmare," says Stallsworth.

Just last month, he got another call, this time, from a lawyer.

"I was like, that was so many years ago I kind of forget about it. [They said] Well, you're gonna get a subpoena to fly to St. Louis."

Turns out, Stallsworth was one of 300,000 people dooped by a telemarketing scam. Stallsworth testified in court and the man behind the scam was found guilty of swindling at least $43-million.

"He was judged by his peers. The court prevailed. He deserved what he got," says Stallsworth.

And while he feels justice has been served, he says the experience has made him a less trusting person. His apartment is now lined with "no trespassing" signs and security cameras. He says he hopes others can learn from his mistake.

"Oh, my gosh, don't ever give your information out over the phone, on the internet, if someone comes to your door. If it's too good to be true, it most likely is. It really is."

Stallsworth was one of several people to testify against a Kyle Kimoto of Las Vegas. Kimoto was found guilty and now faces up to 175 years in prison and a 3-point-5-million dollar fine.

Cyber investigators say scam cases don't always turn out so well. They say they're often dealing with uncooperative foreign governments that block investigations. They say that makes it all the more important for people to be aware of scams so they don't fall victim.