Lotto Scammers Targets the Elderly NR15899jk

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles
Police Department’s Commercial Crimes Unit has arrested three
suspects for 487 PC, Grand Theft on November 17, 2015 and
detectives are seeking additional victims of the lotto scam.

In each crime, the suspects targeted elderly Hispanic females and
utilized similar tactics to gain their trust. One suspect would
drive up to an elderly female Hispanic on the sidewalk or parking
lot in a grey 2016 Kia Sportage, license 7MIP728. The driver then
would ask for help cashing a Fantasy 5 Lotto ticket. The driver
would say a coyote stole their identification papers or use another
excuse for the inability to cash in on the winnings. The driver
then promised to share the winnings.

The second suspect will be nearby posing as a stranger and
offer to help in a bid to convince the victim about the legitimacy
of driver. When the victim gets in the car, the driver would make a
phone call on speaker to the third suspect who impersonates a
representative of the Lotto Commission to confirm the winning
numbers.

The lotto representative would inform the driver that anyone who is
assisting should bring good faith money or jewelry. When the victim
presented the money or jewelry, the driver would place it in an
envelope and have a duplicate envelope ready. The suspects in the
vehicle then would use a ruse to get the victim out of the car,
give them the duplicate envelope and drive away with the victim’s
property.

Detectives also want to warn anyone in the community that while
there has been an arrest for this lotto scheme, similar crimes are
perpetrated regularly, especially against the elderly community.
These suspects have been linked to scams in south Los Angeles, San
Gabriel, San Fernando Valley and possibly Santa Barbara and
Oxnard.

Anyone with information is urged to call Commercial Crimes Division
detectives, at 213-486-6940. During non-business hours or on
weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7
(877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call
Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also
contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637
(C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages
should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to
LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.