KCBA - Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz - News Weather-Lotto Scam in Gonzales, Alert Bank Teller Calls Police
Member Center:
SALINAS, Calif- A pair of scamers went to work in Gonzales Thursday night.
The victim, an elderly gentleman, was out walking near his home in Gonzales when he was approached by a woman who said that she had a winning lotto ticket. She explained to the victim that because she was in the country illegally, she could not cash the ticket worth $480,000 dollars.
According to the victim, another individual walked by and became involved in their conversation. This person agreed to split the winnings with the victim if they each paid $10,000.
The victim agreed and got into a van with them so they could drive him to his bank in Salinas.
When the victim arrived at his Salinas bank he told the teller that he was there to withdraw $10,000 dollars. He explained that two individuals were waiting for him in the parking lot and that he was going to share the proceeds of a winning lotto ticket.
The bank teller realized this was a scam and stalled the victim until police arrived.
The suspects left prior to police arriving.
The female was described as Hispanic, 55, 5-5, 140, brown shoulder length hair, medium complexion, light colored dress, and male a Hispanic, 45, 5-5, 190, short black hair, and brown eyes. The vehicle was a white Chevy mini van, newer model.
These types are crimes are generally committed by people who work in groups and travel throughout the state. If you have any information regarding this crime, please contact our department at 831-758-7250, Crime Tip line 831-775-4222, or WE TIP at 1-800-7CRIME.
