Release Date/Time: 3/27/2019 12:43 PM
Incident:Winning Lottery Ticket Scam
Date: Tuesday 3/26/2019
Time: 11:00 AM
Location:N. Sanborn Rd. at Eucalyptus Rd.
On Tuesday, March 27, 2019 at 11 am in the area of N. Sanborn Rd. and Eucalyptus Dr. the victim was approached by Hispanic female adult who claimed she had a winning lottery ticket and that she was trying to find a lawyer's office to help collect the winnings. Suspect pretends to call the lawyer as a second female suspect approached and offers to help.
Suspect # 1 says the lawyer requests a deposit in order to cash in winning lottery ticket. Suspect # 2 is eager to show interest by providing part of the deposit and share in the prize money. The victim is also offered a share of the proceeds if she helps with the deposit and is given a ride to the bank. Victim is instructed on how to respond if the bank teller questions the large withdrawal. The victim and two suspects supposedly all will ride to the lawyer's office to collect on the winning lottery ticket. Instead the victim is driven to the area of John St at Shasta St. where she is dropped off. The suspects drive away and leave victim stranded.
Victim lost several thousand dollars to the scam. Suspect #1 is described as a Hispanic female with a light complexion, 70 years old, 5'4”, thin build with short brown hair and wearing prescription eye glasses. Suspect spoke Spanish but with an accent. Suspect #2 is a Hispanic female 30 years old 5'2”, heavyset, black short hair with a dark complexion and wearing torn blue jeans. The suspect vehicle is similar to a newer model grey Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Within the last two weeks, officers also investigated a similar scam but this one involved diamonds. Be cautious if any suspicious persons such as these approach you and offer something that is too good to be true. If you have any information on this case or similar incidents, please contact Salinas PD at 831 758-7321.
Release Authorized by: Miguel Cabrera
Telephone: 831 758-7289