On December 13, 2004, at 9:02 p.m., Santa Monica Police responded to the 500 block of Wilshire Boulevard regarding a fraud that occurred in the 1200 block of the 3rd Street Promenade. Apparently, the suspect approached the victim and spoke to her in Spanish and asked for assistance in locating a specific address. During their conversation, the suspect told the victim that he had a winning lottery ticket for $300,000.
The fraud, known as a "pigeon drop," was conducted by the suspect, who convinced the victim that he was holding a winning lottery ticket, but was unable to claim it because he was in the country illegally. The suspect asked the victim for assistance in claiming the ticket. At this point, suspect 2 approached the victim and suspect 1 and pretended to provide assistance. Suspect 1 told the victim that he would give her $10,000 if she helped him cash his winning lottery ticket. Suspect 1 told the victim that he needed to give the lottery commission $15,000 before they would cash his winning ticket. The victim was asked if she had $15,000, and she told the suspect that she did not have that much money and had only $4,000. Suspect 2 said he had $9,000 and would be willing to help. The victim and the suspects went to her bank and withdrew $4,000 in cash. After getting the money from the victim, both suspects left. When they did not return, the victim called a friend and later notified police.
Suspect 1 is described as a M/H, 52 years of age, 5’4, 180 pounds, having gray hair, brown eyes, light complected, wearing tan pants and a white jacket. Suspect 2 is described as a M/H, 35 years of age, 5’7, 140 pounds, having black hair, brown eyes, dark complected, wearing a dark suit.
The Santa Monica Police Department strongly encourages all residents to be cautious when someone asks for money in exchange for a prize or to purchase items not bought from a store or to produce a large sum of cash to show good faith. Do not underestimate these criminals, because they can be very inventive and persuasive. Their game is to confuse or just plain trick you.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Santa Monica Police Department at 310-458-8491. Callers who wish to provide anonymous information may also call the We-Tip national hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463). Callers with information that leads to an arrest and conviction become eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
