MIAMI, Fla. (CBS12) — An American Airlines flight attendant is accused of using her travel perks to fly to a Palm Coast woman’s home as part of a sweepstakes scam that cost the 75-year-old more than $25,000.

24-year-old Destiny Blake of Brooklyn, New York, was arrested Friday night at Miami International Airport after arriving on an international flight, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators said the scam began in November 2025, when someone claiming to represent Publishers Clearing House told the victim she had won a sweepstakes. She was instructed to mail a $500 gift card to Blake at a Brooklyn address.

The victim later withdrew more than $14,000 from her bank, with Blake allegedly receiving $14,220 through cash and Zelle payments. Investigators also found the victim’s email password had been changed and her account switched to a look-alike address.

On Nov. 18, Blake allegedly used her flight attendant benefits to fly standby from New York to Daytona Beach before taking an Uber to a Palm Coast hotel.

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The next morning, an Uber reportedly dropped her off at the victim’s home shortly before 11 a.m. About 15 minutes later, another Uber took her back to the airport.

Detectives say they later determined Blake had an Apple Card as an authorized user on the victim’s account. A family member found a note instructing the victim to tell the card company Blake was her granddaughter and had permission to use the card.

Between Nov. 16 and Dec. 11, 2025, investigators say they identified 88 credit card charges totaling $10,590.30. Purchases included Apple products, an eBay order shipped to Blake’s home, clothing, phone services, and dozens of Uber rides and Uber Eats orders.

One Uber ride was paid for in Jamaican dollars in Kingston, Jamaica, two days after Blake flew there while working for American Airlines, investigators said.

Detectives also obtained surveillance video allegedly showing Blake using the victim’s card at a Queens supermarket. The victim’s total losses were estimated at $25,310.

An arrest warrant was issued Oct. 13, 2026, according to court documents.

“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,” Sheriff Rick Staly said.

Blake faces charges of organized scheme to defraud more than $20,000 from a victim 65 or older, fraudulent use of personal identification information of a person 60 or older, and grand theft over $20,000.

She was taken to the Miami-Dade County jail and later released on a $30,000 bond.

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Anyone who believes they were targeted in a similar scam or had financial contact with Blake is asked to call the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office at 386-313-4911.

Families can find tips for protecting older adults’ phones, email and financial accounts at flaglersheriff.com/senior-safety. Suspected financial exploitation can also be reported to the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873.