Police warn of lottery scam after elderly woman loses nearly $40,000 in Santa Ana

Police are warning residents about a popular lottery scam that recently left a 75-year-old woman out $40,000 in Santa Ana.

Santa Ana authorities say the victim was approached on March 19 by two women in a car as she walked near Raitt Street and McFadden Avenue. The women told her they had a $2.7 million winning lottery ticket but could not cash it because of their immigration status.

According to the Santa Ana Police Department, the women persuaded the victim to get into their vehicle and drive 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,” said Natalie Garcia, public information officer for the department.

Garcia said this type of scam frequently targets elderly residents.

“They approach elderly people and victimize them, knowing that many are retired and may have money at home. These individuals are specifically targeted,” she said.

The suspects fled in an older gray Ford Escape with chrome rims.

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