Fraud Alerts/PSAs

October 9, 2015: Lotto Scratcher Scam Can Rub Consumers the Wrong Way

Graphic image for Lottery Scratcher Scam Fraud Alert

En Español

Customers hoping to scratch it rich with lottery tickets may have even lower odds of winning because of a few unscrupulous merchants.

The Lotto Scratcher scam occurs when a tiny code at the bottom of a scratchers ticket is partially exposed, known as “pinning.”

The vendor enters the code into a lottery computer to determine if the ticket is a winner.

The merchant cashes in the winning tickets and sells the losers to the public.

TIPS:

  • Examine the ticket for any areas that have already been scratched
  • Make sure there are no numbers showing at the bottom of the ticket

If you suspect you have been sold a tampered lottery ticket, call 1-800-LOTTERY.

For tips on how to protect yourself against the Lotto Scratcher scam, watch this California Lottery video: https://vimeo.com/141443215.

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