Scams Involving Lottery Tickets

Like many of our neighboring states, New Mexico has been hit hard by what is being referred to as the “Latin Lotto Scam.” Con artists, using bogus or altered New Mexico Lottery tickets, try to scam their victims out of tens of thousands of dollars.

Each scam is unique but there are some common themes. The scam is usually committed in Spanish. The victims are usually elderly. And, there's almost always a sad story or a pressing reason for why the con artists need to cash their “winning” lottery ticket quickly.

The Most Common Tricks - and The Truth
The Scam:	The Truth:
"This is a winning ticket, but I need money to claim it. If you help me with the upfront money, I'll share the jackpot with you."	Once the ticket is bought, no money is EVER required to claim a prize.
"I can't cash in my winning Lottery ticket because I'm not a U.S. citizen."	You don't have to be a U.S. citizen to claim a lottery prize.
"Let's call the Lottery. They'll tell us this is a winning ticket."	We NEVER confirm that a ticket is a winner over the phone. The person on the phone is just a part of the scam.
"We need to hurry! I need to get back to my family - it's an emergency!"	The thieves are trying to rush you so you don't have time to think or call a family member or friend for advice or help.

The old saying still holds true, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Don't be a victim and don’t let anyone you know be a victim. When you hear one of these stories - get away, call the police, and give them a description. Help stop these criminals - before they rob again.

New Mexico Lottery Authority Security Division
PO Box 93130
Albuquerque, NM 87199-3130
(505) 342-7650

There is no way to stop them without your help! Here’s what you can do:

►Never redeem a Lottery ticket for someone you do not know.

►Never give your credit card numbers over the phone to anyone promising lottery cash prizes or memberships.

►Never respond to a letter or phone call from someone who offers you a guarantee of winning a prize. The New Mexico Lottery does not guarantee you a prize, only a chance of winning one if you buy a legal ticket from an authorized New Mexico Lottery retailer.

►If you are going to participate in a "lottery pool", do so only with people you know and trust.

►Buy Lottery tickets only from authorized New Mexico Lottery retailers.

All profits generated by the New Mexico Lottery benefit education in our state. The Lottery also provides fun, excitement and prizes for players. Don’t allow these scam artists to take your money and spoil your fun.