New York Lottery Scam: Hispanic Women In Long Island Targeted

These days we all have to be careful with the people we come across. Some people are willing to scam hard-working people out of their money and other material possessions without a second thought. In Suffolk County, New York, hispanic women have become the prime target of a heinous scam ring.

According to ABC 7 NY, police are warning residents of a New York's Suffolk County about scam artists targeting Hispanic women.

The site reports that the suspects work in pairs and approach their victims telling them they won the lottery but, because they are undocumented, they’re unable to claim their winnings. Police officials claim that the offer their victims what looks like a deal — you go cash it for me and I will give you part of the money.

Suspects offer to split the prize money with the victim if the victim picks it up in their name. When the victim agrees, the suspects ask for money or jewelry as collateral. In some cases, the suspects have driven the victim to her house to get the valuables.

"They ask the person for assistance to cash the lottery ticket," Police Commissioner Timothy Sini told the network. "In doing so, they ask the victim, the target, for some collateral. Essentially, if I'm going to give you this ticket, I need you to give me something before you walk away with the ticket. They typically ask for cash or jewelry."

Authorities say that Hispanic women tend to be the victims of the cruel crime. Once the suspects receive the items, they flee the scene. Police say the victims have lost anywhere from $400 to $6,000.

So far there have been nine incidents since April 2015 in North Bay Shore, Huntington Station, Patchogue and East Northport. The last reported incident was November 16. Police are urging residents not to give money or anything of value to people they don't know.

"The number one rule is use your common sense," Sini said. "If it feels too good to be true, it is."