“We have already received several complaints from victims who bought these tickets for between $500 and $2,000, believing that they could cash them in for the winning prize of $20,000,” said Consumer Protection Commissioner William M. Rubenstein.
Consumers are reminded to buy lottery tickets only from authorized retailers. Alarm signals should go off anytime someone is trying to “sell” a so-called winning previously-scratched ticket. Frequently, the con artists will approach a consumer and offer to “sell” that person a winning lottery ticket for an amount that is substantially less than the prize they claim to have won.
Providing a variety of reasons why they cannot cash the ticket themselves, the scammers seek to prey on the public’s goodwill and defraud unsuspecting consumers.
“The proper and only way to verify a winning ticket is through a retailer’s lottery terminal or on the Lottery Ticket Checker available in all lottery retail locations,” Rubenstein said. “Don’t take the word of anyone who offers you a ‘winning ticket’ for cash.”
Agency investigators are working with local law enforcement to identify and apprehend the individual or individuals selling bogus tickets.
The department has released a photo of an unidentified person of interest in the investigation and asks for the public’s help in identifying this person. Anyone with information may contact Investigator James Jepsen at 860-713-6286 or by email at james.jepsen@ct.gov.
Connecticut Lottery Corp. President and CEO Anne M. Noble reminds consumers they can prevent being a victim of fraud.
“If you are approached by someone who offers to ‘sell’ you a winning lottery ticket, just say no. Leave the area, contact your local authorities or the Department of Consumer Protection and provide a description of the con artist and any information that will assist authorities," Noble said.
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