On December 3, 2013; Palm Springs Police initiated an investigation regarding an Organized Scheme to Defraud / Lottery Scam. The elderly Hispanic woman victim was approached at the Goodwill 1837 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach and asked for assistance with cashing in on a winning lottery ticket. The Hispanic male suspect (believed to have a Venezuelan accent) depicted above advised he was an illegal alien and couldn’t provide identification. With the elderly woman’s assistance and cash collateral, he could receive his monies and make the woman money for her troubles. The male led the elderly woman to a light colored, possibly cream, FORD SUV where a Hispanic female (believed to be Puerto Rican) was waiting. They first drove to the IHOP, 1776 N. Military Trail and then to the victim’s home in Palm Springs. The victim then turned over about $15,000 cash to the suspects. The suspects drove to the victim’s bank, Wells Fargo 1662 S. Congress Ave, Palm Springs, where she withdrew another $15,000. Once they had their cash in hand, they drove the victim back to her vehicle at the Goodwill. They left her with a bag full of newspaper clippings.

If anyone has information on this incident they are urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS (8477) stay anonymous and be eligible for up to $1,000 REWARD! You can also text tips to @tips@cspbc.com