Orlando Police are investigating a fraud and theft scheme by a Hispanic couple who pretend that they have a winning lottery ticket that they need help to cash. Unsuspecting victims give up cash and valuables to assist the couple, who then make off with the loot.
According to investigators, on December 1st and October 30th, a well-dressed Hispanic female approached the victims asking for directions. When the victims state that they are not familiar with the location, the Hispanic male shows up stating he knows the location and offers to give both the victim and female suspect a ride in a gray van. On the way to the location, the Hispanic female produces a lottery ticket, says she is an illegal alien and can’t cash it in, and ask her victims for help in doing so. The victims hand over cash and valuable jewelry from their homes. The suspects make off with the cash and jewelry after the victims are lured out of the vehicle to purchase medicine at a drug store for one of the suspects who pretends to be ill.
The suspects, detectives said, are usually well dressed and very knowledgeable of any surveillance cameras that may be in the area.
The incident on October 30, took place outside the Dollar Tree store on 4404 Curry Ford Road. The incident on December 1st, occurred outside the Wachovia Bank on 4012 Curry Ford Road.
The Hispanic female is described as 25-28 years, about 5′ 6″ tall and about 110 pounds. She was wearing a t-shirt and beige suit. The Hispanic male is between 35-37 years, 5′ 7″ tall and about 160 pounds and was last seen wearing a black shirt and gray pants.
Anyone with information should call Crimeline at # 1-800-423-TIPS. Callers may remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.
