Police Alert Community About Lottery Scam After Elderly Woman Loses Nearly $40,000 in Santa Ana

Santa Ana Police Warn Residents of Lottery Scam Targeting Elderly

Authorities in Santa Ana have issued a warning regarding a deceptive lottery scam that exploited a 75-year-old woman, resulting in a loss of $40,000.

On March 19, the victim encountered two women in a vehicle near Raitt Street and McFadden Avenue. The women claimed to possess a winning lottery ticket worth $2.7 million but stated they could not cash it due to their immigration status.

According to Natalie Garcia, a public information officer for the Santa Ana Police Department, the women persuaded the victim to get into their car and subsequently drove her to her home. “They get into the suspect’s car, and they drive her back to the victim’s house, where the victim then proceeds to give them about $40,000 worth of cash and jewelry as collateral, and the suspects take off,” Garcia explained.

Garcia noted that this type of scam often preys on elderly individuals. “They approach elderly people and victimize them, knowing that many are retired and may have money at home. These individuals are specifically targeted,” she added.

The suspects were last seen driving an older gray Ford Escape equipped with chrome rims.

Anyone with information regarding the vehicle or the suspects is urged to contact Investigator S. Guzman at (714) 245-8416.