LOTTERY players have been warned to watch out for a new scam that has seen stores cheated out of thousands of dollars.
One store is out $10,000 after being targeted by scammers in Traverse City, Michigan.
GettyLottery players have been warned over a credit card scam[/caption] GettyThe scam often isn’t uncovered until long after the customer has left[/caption]“The scams occurred anywhere from Houghton, up in the Upper Peninsula, all the way down to south of Cadillac,” Detective Will Bowen, from Petoskey Public Safety, told Up North Live.
“The suspects seem to originate from the Battle Creek area.”
The scam is typically carried out by one or two people who enter a convenience store and buy a large number of lottery tickets.
After “trying” to buy the tickets, their credit cards will suddenly fail.
The scammer then offers to read the card number off their phone.
Once the customer has left, the computer realizes the cards are stolen.
The store is left doubly out of pocket, losing both the money and the merchandise.
“I believe it was just over $5,000 worth of lottery tickets that were purchased through three separate transactions,” Sgt. Bowen went on.
“They take these lottery tickets, check them using the Michigan Lottery app and then turn around and cash them out within a short time frame, before the lottery bureau can do anything about it.”
Bowen says he has shared his work with Michigan state troopers and other agencies to learn more about the scam.
He explained that one state fraud investigator is likely to put together the cases for the attorney general’s office.
“Just from talking to him, from his investigations and the names that I’ve provided with my investigation, it sounds like this is more of a ring of people instead of just two or three individuals doing it,” he went on.
“Anybody that’s working at these gas stations or small shops in rural areas just need to be aware that if anybody is coming in and attempting to purchase thousands of dollars of lottery tickets, coupled with credit cards that are having issues or not working, be very aware that it’s potentially a scam and please call 911 immediately.”
Sgt. Bowen also advised people to try and remember information about a suspect’s physical appearance if they believe they may be a victim of this type of scam.
Bank tips for avoiding scams
As scams become more sophisticated with the use of artificial intelligence, it is important you know how to spot a scam:
Be skeptical of online deals that seem too good to be true, especially on social media. Scammers will often use tactics to make you panicked so you make quick decisions – be cautious if you are told to take immediate action and verify who has contacted you. Chase Bank warns customers to “never return any unexpected funds without calling Chase first.” Never send money to someone you have only spoken to online or by phone as this is likely a romance scam. Unless you 100% know who you are talking to, never give someone remote access to your device. Never accept help from strangers at an ATM and always be vigilant when making withdrawals. Do not send money or click any links indicating that you have won a prize.Source: Chase.com
It comes as Powerball players have been urged to check their tickets as time runs out for one unclaimed prize.
The ticket was purchased at a gas station in Illinois for the Powerball draw on 23 March last year.
Under lottery rules that means the winner has just weeks left to claim the cash before it’s forfeited to the state.
Lotto chiefs have revealed the ticket was bought at Hucks on East Calumet Street in Centralia.
The winner must make sure to schedule an appointment before visiting any claim center to do so.
Proof of identity, including a photo ID, social security card, or tax return, is required, and the winning ticket should be signed on the back.
fsdfdssfd
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Lottery players cheated out of winnings as $10k in tickets are stolen with ‘card’ trick – & there’s nothing lotto can do )
Also on site :