Scammers With 'Winning' Lottery Ticket Sought By Watsonville PD

WATSONVILLE, CA — Two con artists who swindled a Watsonville woman out of nearly $6,000 have been captured on video surveillance, and police are warning of the duo's "get rich quick" scheme.

Police are actively searching for the couple who claim to have a “winning” lottery ticket worth thousands of dollars. Surveillance footage shows the suspects — a man and woman — approaching the victim Friday in a shopping center parking lot in the 1400 block of Freedom Boulevard.

The couple eventually convinced the woman to hand over nearly $6,000 for the lottery ticket after claiming they were unable to cash in on it because of their legal status.

The video surveillance shows the male suspect wearing a gray hat and shirt, the female suspect wearing a white hat. Both were seen leaving in what appears to be a silver Chrysler Pacifica, Watsonville police said.

“If it seems too easy and you’re going to get rich quick, don’t do it because it’s a scam,” said Watsonville Police Sgt. Mish Radich.

If you have any information regarding this case (19W-04018), call Watsonville Police Detective Nelson Hernandez at (831) 768-3358.