The Dalton Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying individuals who stole more than $9,000 from a woman in a lottery scam.
On October 16, the female victim was approached by a man who claimed he had a winning lottery ticket, but couldn’t claim the money because of his citizenship status. While talking to the man, a female accomplice joined the discussion and offered to help. The man offered to split the winnings with the women if they gave him a ride to the bank and helped cash in the check. But, he said he wanted them to prove they had money, because he didn’t want to be ripped off by anybody who was broke. So, the victim drove the two suspects to the bank, where she withdrew $9,500 as proof that she wouldn’t rip them off. When she got back to the car, the suspect started to complain he was feeling ill, and asked the victim to drive him to the Walgreen’s to get medicine. He stayed in the car while the two women went inside. While they were inside, a white van pulled up to pick up the suspect, with the money. The female accomplice then sent the victim to the back of the store to get the medicine, and left the store with the suspect in the white van.
This is not the first time this type of scam has been attempted in the Dalton area, but these appear to be different suspects than past cases. The Dalton Police Department reminds the public to beware of situations that seem to good to be true, because they usually are. Never give strangers access to your bank account information or money. Anyone with a winning lottery ticket won’t need money to claim the prize.
The female suspect in this case is described as being about 50 years old, approximately 6’0 and weighing around 150 pounds. She was wearing a dark sweater and black sunglasses. The victim said she spoke Spanish with a European accent, possibly from Spain. She was photographed by the surveillance cameras at Walgreen’s, and those pictures are included below. The male suspect is described as being shorter than the woman, around 5’6 and 175 pounds. He has dark skin and a mole on his forehead. He tried to speak Spanish, but the victim said she didn’t understand him. He is possibly of Middle Eastern descent. If you have any information about these suspects or this scam, please contact Detective Greg Bates with the Dalton Police Department at 706-278-9085, extension 137.
Comments