Lotto Ticket Checking Question, Possible Scam?

Mr BoMBAStiG on 29/10/2019 - 23:26

For context: I buy a ticket when I have the change and am walking past a newsagent; not very often. Then it sits in my wallet for weeks, then I'll get it checked when I remember and am walking past a newsagent. i.e. Not a regular player but I like daydreaming about what I would do if I did win.

Occasionally I am bored at work and check the numbers on the ticket in my wallet. Last week, at work I am pretty sure I matched 4 numbers on an OzLotto ticket (Division 6 so about $20). Yesterday I'm walking past a newsagent and I go in to get a ticket. I then remember I had a ticket (the ticket in question), but forgot I'd checked it at work as my mind was elsewhere. I give the guy the ticket and also ask for a ticket in another game. He scans the old ticket, "Not a winning ticket", meh ok and I buy the other ticket and leave. Today I remember checking the ticket at work and am pretty sure it was a winning ticket.

Question: Is it possible for the guy to have a known non-winning ticket at his machine, take my ticket, switcheroo, scan his non-winning ticket, I see 'no win' on the screen and leave? He then actually scans my ticket and gets the pay out for himself.

Financial

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Comments

  • vikvance on 29/10/2019 - 23:30
    +4

    You can use The Lott's app to buy tickets, if the possibility of this type of scam worries you.

    • Diji1 on 30/10/2019 - 01:12
      +2

      You can also check the ticket there.

    • Mr BoMBAStiG on 30/10/2019 - 08:35

      I don't want to regularly buy and use the inconvenience of going to a newsagency to limit how often I can buy.

      • John Kimble on 30/10/2019 - 10:48
        +2

        Dont buy through the app then, just check tickets.

    • ATTS on 30/10/2019 - 10:43

      with the app, do you buy tickets online?

  • idonotknowwhy on 29/10/2019 - 23:41
    +3

    I think you can scan it yourself at most of these sorts of places.

  • moto on 29/10/2019 - 23:58

    Remember to sign the tickets on the back. Makes it harder for them to get the prize.

  • Spanglish on 30/10/2019 - 00:00

    Fill out your information on the back of the ticket, then only you can claim it.

  • [Deactivated] on 30/10/2019 - 00:15

    There was a case in Victoria a few years ago where the auto checker failed a winning ticket.

  • triviums on 30/10/2019 - 00:15
    +3

    I used to work at a newsagent and yes it is possible for this to happen, but it was more likely a mistake. It's not worth the trouble for just $20. The newsagent can lose their license to operate as a lotto franchise if it is proven to have occurred on purpose.

    This circumstance can only happen on tickets that are checked using the scanner and not through machine ticket insert. Tickets that have been check through the ticket insert on the machine (tickets with not a winning ticket printed on it) can not be rechecked though the ticket insert, It can only be rechecked using the scanner. All newsagents should have a self scanning terminal (in NSW at least), so you can check the ticket yourself.

    For prizes under $1000, I suggest registering your ticket if you don't want to self check.

    For prizes over $1000, write your details on the back of the ticket. It will prevent the person from claiming your prize.

    • thatonethere on 30/10/2019 - 07:51

      When I was a kid behind the tatts counter at a newsagent we would always press for registration of tickets especially for the regulars and "high rollers". I did about 5 years and can remember one customer who came back and said "you didn't check the tickets right" (They were registered and tatts sent them a cheque).

      If you register your tickets then no-one can sneak them.

    • ATTS on 30/10/2019 - 10:40

      what does the "self scanning terminal" look like? i never seen one before, usually they just scan for me and print out winner ( when i won small amount)

      • John Kimble on 30/10/2019 - 10:49

        Just a bar code scanner on your side of the counter with a sign on it…or look for the overflowing bin of non winning tickets…

        • ATTS on 30/10/2019 - 11:00

          thanks

      • LuffyTuffyFluffy on 31/10/2019 - 13:53

        It looks similar to a eftpos machine.

  • John Kimble on 30/10/2019 - 07:45
    +1

    Possible, but no way to prove it now.

    Get the app or go to a newsagent that has a DIY scanner

  • Austaurean on 30/10/2019 - 08:24

    The app is really quite good, whenever I have a lotto ticket its how I check in the first instance.
    Shows how much and on what row etc, nice little graphics show a confetti shower if you have a win.

    While the machine does play a little sound, happy tada, not all seem to do so and nothing comes up on their screen that points towards you.
    I guess for security of a winning player so no one else can see.
    When they give you back the ticket, its usually imprinted with not a winning ticket'

  • Drpepper666 on 30/10/2019 - 08:32
    -1

    Definitely a scam. You should go back to the newsagent and confront the guy who stole your $20.

    • Mr BoMBAStiG on 30/10/2019 - 08:37
      +2

      Definitely not going to do that, posted here to confirm if it's possible and treat it as a lesson learnt.

  • John Dough on 30/10/2019 - 10:56

    Can you watch them put the ticket you handed them into the machine?
    Unless they are well practiced at the switcheroo, you should be able to watch them take your ticket and scan it, would be best piece of mind if you need to know for sure and don't want to change to online.
    I doubt they would take the risk to do such a thing, eventually they will get caught and lose their licence or at the least be on the end of criminal charges.

  • ColstonAUS on 30/10/2019 - 11:11

    scan your ticket through the app using the barcode and your camera before going into the newsagency

  • Screamingeagle on 30/10/2019 - 17:09
    +1

    Everytime I have had my lotto ticket checked at the newsagent the worker there has asked me if I want my ticket back.

    If they do not offer it to you just ask for the ticket back.

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