Latin Lotto Scam (Good Samaritan Scam):

The Latin Lotto Scam is typically run by con artists from Central and South America. These con artists use fake or altered California lottery tickets in the scam. Many victims are reluctant to report these crimes due to embarrassment of being a victim. A single victim of this scam can lose between $1000 to anywhere over $100,000 in cash, jewelry or other property. Information provided by law enforcement agencies and state lottery commissions indicate that these con artists travel between different states committing the Latin Lotto scam on citizens of different states.

Don’t be a victim. If you are approached by anyone attempting this scam, leave the area, call the local police and the California Lottery Security/Law Enforcement Division and provide a description of the con artists, vehicle(s) and license plate number(s).

Latin Lotto – How it works:

The con artist(s) will approach you at a business such as a home improvement store, shopping mall, grocery store, hospital or in the parking lot. These con artists will usually work in pairs or teams. The story they tell will be a sad one and may use one of the following:

“I can not claim the prize because I’m not a U.S. citizen” You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to claim a lottery prize.
“We can call the Lottery to verify that this is winning ticket” Don’t let them make the call, you should use your phone and dial, 1-800-LOTTERY or 1-800-568-8379 and ask to speak to the Security/Law Enforcement Division. If they give you a number to call or insist on dialing the phone number, you will not be connected to a California Lottery representative.
“I need money to claim my prize. If you help me, we can share the prize amount” The California Lottery does not require any money upfront to claim a prize.
“I’m in a hurry and need to return to my country for a family emergency.” The con artists are trying to play on your kindness and rush you into giving them money before you have a chance to think about or ask a family member or friend for advice or help.

The con artist(s) will try to get you to go to your bank and other banks to get your money or to your home to get your jewelry or valuables. Don’t let them into your car or go with them in their car. You should get away from them and call law enforcement as soon as possible and provide a description of the con artist(s) and vehicle(s).

Remember: If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is! These con artists have no problem taking your money and valuables and then moving on to the next victim to do the scam again.