Fake heiress gets 5 years in $1.6M scam

A North Carolina woman who posed as the heiress to a fake $2-billion estate was sentenced to five years in federal prison today for her role in an investment scam.

Bari Lynn Berger, 68, of Durham, scammed more than 140 investors-including 40 from Philadelphia-of at least $1.6 million from January 2008 to Jan. 2009.

Berger pleaded guilty in December to mail and wire fraud.

Investors were told Berger was the illegitimate daughter of a billionaire who did not approve of her lifestyle and stipulated in his will that she had to become financially stable and receive necessary medical care in order to be eligible to receive the nest egg.

Victims of the scam - often wealthy, elderly individuals interested in get-rich-quick schemes - were told that if they helped Berger, she would repay them with a "gift" from the estate. For every $1 they contributed, she would pay them back with $100, which was later increased to $1,000.

Investors were instructed to wire or transfer funds to co-conspirator Gerald Radomski's bank account.

Authorities said Radomski, who was sentenced to five years behind bars in April, kept about $300,000 for himself and turned the rest over to Berger.

Prosecutors said she bought jewelry, wigs, sunglasses, pet store supplies, an RV and several motorcycles.