Suffolk Police Warn of Lottery Scam Targeting Hispanic Women

Police are warning Suffolk County residents of a lottery scam that is specifically targeting Hispanic women.

According to authorities, scammers working in pairs approach a woman and tell her they won the lottery but cannot receive the winnings because of their immigration status.

The scammers, who are also Hispanic, will offer to split the prize money with the woman if she agrees to pick it up in their name, police say.

Once the woman agrees, the scammers will ask for collateral, such as money or jewelry. The scammers will drive the woman to her house to collect the valuables if necessary. They will flee once they receive the collateral items, police say.

The Suffolk County Police Department asks residents to not to give money or items of value to strangers. Anyone who believes they have been victimized by this scam is asked to call 911 to report the incident to police.

Investigators are asking anyone with information on the suspects to call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. Tipsters can receive a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest.

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