Police Warn Residents of Lottery Scam
VENTURA — Elderly Latinos are being asked to watch out for scam artists attempting to bilk them out of cash by promising a percentage of a winning lottery ticket.
Police Officer Glenn Utter said the suspects, two Latino men, have been operating in the Mission Plaza Shopping Center, 115 W. Main St., for several weeks.
They take cash from victims by posing as illegal immigrants who have won the lottery but cannot redeem their winning ticket because they are not U.S. citizens or lack identification, Utter said.
The suspects ask their victims to cash the ticket and require them to put up “security” money, and promise that they will reward the victim with a percentage of the winnings. Instead, the suspects take the cash and are never seen again, according to Utter.
Authorities described one suspect as clean-cut, in his 20s to early 30s. The other is between 50 and 70 years old, well-dressed, with a mole over his left eye.
Anyone who suspects that they have been a victim of the scam or are approached by anybody trying to get cash should call the Ventura Police Department at 339-4400.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
