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Danville Police detectives are looking for a man believed to have taken part in a scam in early July. The con involved a fake lottery ticket and the transfer of a large amount of money.

Police have identified Alexander Galarraga, 59, as the male suspect in the July 25 incident. Galarraga and a female accomplice approached the victim in a local shopping center with what appeared to be a winning lottery ticket.

The Hispanic couple offered a percentage of the winnings in exchange for monetary help in cashing the ticket. The victim told police that after the suspects were given some money they split up and ran away in opposite directions. Police said this is a common confidence scam known as the "Latin Lottery Scam."

The victim was able to identify Galarraga and police issued a warrant for his arrest. Galarraga's whereabouts are currently unknown and anyone with information about his location is encouraged to call Detective Anthony Perry at 314-3710 or aperry@danville.ca.gov.

Galarraga's accomplice was described as approximately 5 feet tall with black hair and was wearing a green or yellow hat.

"These are situations where if it seems too good to be true, it most likely is," Police Chief Steve Simpkins said of the scam. "We recommend that if someone approaches or contacts you in this way, you should contact the police immediately."

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