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On Thursday,  June 25, 2009 at about 3:00 pm Officers were dispatched to a local bank on the 400 block of Main Street regarding a lotto ticket scam in progress.  The teller was contacted by an elderly individual, who said he was there to withdraw $10,000.  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 alert teller realized this was a scam and stalled the victim until police arrived.  The suspects in the meantime left prior to police arrivnig.

The victim explained he was walking near his home in Gonzales, CA when a female approached him.  She explained to him that she had a winning lotto ticket valued at $480,000, but because she was in the country illegally, she could not cash it.  While talking 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.  He was not aware it was a scam until the teller made him aware of it. 

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.