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Uploaded: Friday, July 27, 2012, 2:57 PM
Updated: Sunday, July 29, 2012, 11:42 AM
Police warn of lottery scam
Victim bilked by scammers with 'winning' lottery ticket
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by Jessica Lipsky
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 | Danville Police are looking for information in connection with a "confidence scam" run on an individual earlier last Thursday.
The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. on July 26 when the victim was approached by a Hispanic couple in their 60s at a local shopping center. The female claimed to be an illegal immigrant who had a winning lottery ticket and needed the victim's help in claiming her winnings; the victim was offered a portion of the winnings in exchange.
The victim agreed and accompanied the suspects to several banks in San Ramon and Danville, then withdrew a significant sum and gave it to the suspects. When the pair received the last of the victim's money they quickly walked away from the victim and did not return.
San Ramon Valley residents should be on the lookout for similar scams; other variants include the "advanced fee lottery scam" and the "overseas bail scam." In the lottery scam, a victim is informed that they have won another country's lottery but must pay fees and taxes before the cash can be released. In the bail scam, a victim is informed that a relative or loved one has been arrested and needs to have funds sent to them to get out of jail.
"These are situations where if it seems too good to be true, it most likely is," said Police Chief Steve Simpkins. "We recommend that if someone approaches or contacts you in this way, you should contact the police immediately."
The suspects in Thursday's incident are described as an older couple; the female is approximately 5 feet tall with black hair and was wearing a green or yellow hat. The male is 5'3" with gray hair and was wearing tan pants.
Anyone with information regarding this case or similar instances should contact Detective Anthony Perry at 314-3710 or aperry@danville.ca.gov.
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Posted by spcwt, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on Jul 28, 2012 at 4:12 pm If a man comes to your front door saying he is conducting a survey and asks you to take off your clothes, don’t do it. It’s a scam. He only wants to see you naked.
I wish I had got this warning yesterday. I feel so stupid and cheap now.
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Posted by Niven, a resident of another community, on Jul 29, 2012 at 9:21 am How good of you to admit to your shortcomings.
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Posted by Douglas, a resident of the Blackhawk neighborhood, on Jul 30, 2012 at 11:44 am This has got to be a joke. People just can't be that STUPID, can they?
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Posted by Regina, a resident of the Blackhawk neighborhood, on Jul 30, 2012 at 12:47 pm People ARE that stupid---look who got elected "president!"
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Posted by Douglas, a resident of the Blackhawk neighborhood, on Jul 30, 2012 at 3:28 pm Regina - good point! :)
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Posted by Alexander, a resident of the San Ramon neighborhood, on Jul 30, 2012 at 7:49 pm Regina.....hopefully the hope and change voters from 2008 will realize Obama's policies are HOPEless and they are down to. Hangs in their pockets!
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Posted by Henny, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on Jul 31, 2012 at 8:29 am You're right, Regina -- just look what passes for humor in the Danville Express Express Forum!
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Posted by Dave, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on Aug 1, 2012 at 12:41 pm God help us if we elect that roving ambassodor of gaffes and blunders, Willard Romney.
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