Thread: Whittier, CA: Woman duped in lottery scam

Woman duped in lottery scam

WHITTIER - A 67-year-old woman was scammed out of $16,000 Wednesday by two men claiming to have a winning lottery ticket, officials said.

The woman was shopping about 4:30 p.m. at TJ Maxx, 13530 Whittier Blvd., when a man approached her and asked her for directions, said Whittier police spokeswoman Diana Salazar.

As the woman told the man she did not know where his destination was, a second man approached and said he knew the way, Salazar said.

The two men convinced the woman to give them a ride, Salazar said, during which the first man said that he had a winning lottery ticket worth about $360,000, but could not turn it in because he was an undocumented immigrant.

The men convinced the woman to cash the ticket in on their behalf, and also to drive to the bank and withdraw $16,000 to give them as "good faith" money, said Salazar.

In return, they promised to return her money, along with an additional $15,000, she said.

After getting the cash from her bank, the suspects then convinced the woman to drive them to a store to buy medicine, Salazar said.

Once inside the store, the men disappeared from the woman's sight, she said, at which time the victim realized her envelope full of money had been switched for one stuffed with newspaper.

Salazar described the first suspect as a Latino, about 5 feet 2 inches tall, weighing about 170 pounds, with short black hair, a mustache, and blue or green eyes. He spoke only Spanish, she added.

The second suspect was described as a Latino, about 5 feet 7 inches tall, and weighing about 150 pounds, Salazar said.

Anyone with information should contact the Whittier Police Department at (562)945-8250.

http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_6704661

Stupid woman!