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A spike in fraudulent lottery ticket purchases has prompted Michigan State Police to warn businesses across the Upper and Northern Lower Peninsula.
MSP Investigating Stolen Credit Card Scam in Michigan
MICHIGAN – The Michigan State Police (MSP) is investigating a rise in fraudulent activity involving stolen credit cards and lottery scratch-off tickets across the Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Peninsula. Similar scams have also been reported in Wisconsin and Nebraska.
How the Lottery Ticket Scam Works
Authorities say the scam typically unfolds as follows:
- A subject or group posing as customers attempts to buy large quantities of lottery scratch-off tickets using a stolen credit card.
- The suspect(s) may wear face masks to conceal their identity.
- They claim the card swipe or chip feature isn’t working and request to manually enter the credit card number.
- Once the cashier manually processes the transaction, the suspect quickly takes the tickets and cashes in any winnings before the fraud is detected.
- Businesses often realize too late that the card was stolen, resulting in financial losses from fraudulent charges.
Steps Businesses Can Take to Prevent Fraud
MSP urges businesses to take the following precautions:
- Be cautious if a customer attempts to purchase a large number of scratch-off lottery tickets.
- Do not manually enter credit card information—always require a swipe, chip, or tap.
- Limit the number of lottery tickets that can be purchased in a single transaction.
- Ensure the card is properly swiped and transactions are completed securely.
- Double-check the card’s legitimacy if anything seems suspicious.
- Report any suspicious activity immediately to law enforcement.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Assistance Requested
The MSP is actively investigating multiple cases, including several in the Escanaba area. Authorities urge businesses and the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious lottery ticket purchases to local law enforcement or Michigan State Police.
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