By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
Two more people have come forward alleging they were victims of a fraudulent Internet investment scam carried out by a Kannapolis couple who authorities say duped thousands from investors.
Sammy and Sheila Biggerstaff were recently ordered to pay more than $56,000 in restitution and court costs stemming from the 2005 scheme.
The Biggerstaffs told investors their investment in the PIPS program could earn interest at a rate of 2.5 percent per day to be compounded daily. The PIPS scheme went under several names including People in Profit Systems, Private Investment Profit System or Pureinvestor and PIPS Financial Services.
The case languished in the court system until mid-2010 when Assistant District Attorney Tom King met with the 11 identified victims. Other victims have since come forward.
One victim told Rowan County Sheriff’s investigators she met Sammy Biggerstaff at the Hefner VA Medical Center.
“She met him there. She did not receive a return on her investment,” said Capt. John Sifford.
A Winston-Salem man also told authorities he’d invested money in the PIPS program.
Reports do not indicate how much these victims invested.
The investigation continues.
Anyone who believes they are a victim of the PIPS program Internet scam should contact the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office at 704-216-8700.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.