Fraud Alerts/PSAs
October 9, 2015: Lotto Scratcher Scam Can Rub Consumers the Wrong Way
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.
Follow @LADAOffice on Twitter for up-to-date news and use #FraudFriday.
