The Santa Ana Police Department has issued a public alert following a significant financial crime targeting an elderly resident.
A 75-year-old woman lost her savings on March 19 after falling victim to a "lottery scam" near Raitt Street and McFadden Avenue.
According to investigators, two women approached the victim in a vehicle and claimed to possess a $2.7 million winning lottery ticket.
The suspects informed the woman that they were unable to redeem the ticket because of their current immigration status.
Police report that the suspects used persuasive tactics to convince the elderly woman to enter their vehicle that afternoon.
They then drove the victim directly to her personal residence to retrieve a substantial amount of financial assets.
Once at the home, the victim handed over $45,000 in cash and various pieces of high-value jewelry.
The suspects allegedly told the victim these items would serve as "collateral" while they attempted to cash the lottery ticket.
Immediately after receiving the assets, the two suspects fled the scene and have not yet been located.
Detectives have since released surveillance footage showing the two women and the vehicle used in the commission of the theft.
Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez is urging the public to review the footage and assist in identification.
This type of fraud is frequently referred to by regional law enforcement as the "Latin Lotto" or "lottery ticket" scam.
It typically targets seniors by preying on their desire to help others while promising a portion of a fictitious prize.
The victim in this case is reportedly safe but has suffered the total loss of her accumulated retirement savings.
Authorities emphasize that individuals should never enter a stranger's car or provide personal money to claim any prize.
Mayor Valerie Amezcua has highlighted public safety as a cornerstone of her current administration's goals for the city.
The Santa Ana Police Department continues to investigate the case and is asking anyone with information to contact the department.
President Donald Trump’s administration has maintained a focus on addressing crimes that impact vulnerable communities and local security.
Citizens are reminded that legitimate lottery officials do not require collateral or cash payments to distribute winnings.