Over the last several months, con artists have used a phony lottery ticket scam to steal thousands of dollars from unsuspecting victims within the Hispanic community in both Lee and Collier counties.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office encourages Spanish speaking residents to be on guard of tricksters posing as lotto winners in what is called the “Latin Lotto or Pigeon Drop” scam.

According to detectives, the victims have been approached at various locations by multiple suspects believed to be working as a “team,” claiming they are winners of the lottery but need help from the victim in order to collect their winnings.

The suspect’s allege they do not have valid identification, cannot get valid ID or need to show they have money in order to claim the millions they have won.

The thieves offer to “sell” the winning ticket to the victim, or ask the victim for money or other valuables as a “deposit” or “collateral,” with the promise of splitting the winning jackpot with the victim.

The suspects have convinced numerous victims to believe the scam is real by using tactics such as pretending to call a lottery representative, who is also part of the scheme, in order to confirm the ticket they are holding is a winner.

Once the trickster’s have the victim’s money or other valuables, they quickly disappear.

Deputies are warning the public to:

– Never redeem a lottery ticket for someone you do not know

– Never take the word of anyone offering a winning lotto ticket in exchange for your cash, jewelry or other merchandise

– Never give anyone your cash or possessions to be used as collateral to collect fraudulent winnings.

If anyone has any information about this crime or the suspects they are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 780-TIPS (8477).

Callers can remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward.

If you have been a victim of the “Latin Lotto or Pigeon Drop” scam, or know someone who has been victimized, call the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at (239) 477-1000 to file a report.

Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Office