Yuma Police Warn Residents of Recurring Lottery-Style Scam

On December 31, 2025, the Yuma Police Department issued a warning to county residents about a recurring lottery-style scam that has been circulating by phone and email. Scammers falsely claim victims have won a prize and then request personal information or advance payments to collect the supposed winnings, according to the department.

The fraudsters use unsolicited calls, texts and messages to initiate contact, then pressure recipients into sharing sensitive data or wiring money. The department emphasized that these schemes can target anyone, regardless of wealth, and urged people to treat unexpected prize notifications with skepticism. A local resident, Jason Bates, advised people to research offers thoroughly and avoid responding to unsolicited calls or texts.

Officer Hayato Johnson, YPD public information officer, directed residents to protect their personal data and be cautious online: “Don’t give any personal information over the phone, over the computer, if you have social media account try to protect yourself and your information there as well, just pay attention.”

Beyond the immediate financial harm to individuals, repeated incidents of this type carry broader community implications. They increase the demand on local law enforcement resources and can erode public confidence in legitimate outreach from businesses and government agencies. Persistent scams also highlight a need for sustained public education so that residents can recognize red flags and act quickly to prevent loss.

The Yuma Police Department asks residents to report suspected scams to law enforcement so patterns can be tracked and investigations can proceed. Reporting suspected fraud helps police determine how widely a scheme is spreading and whether additional outreach or collaboration with consumer protection partners is required.

For everyday precautions, residents should verify any unsolicited prize notifications independently using official contact information, avoid providing personal or financial details in response to unsolicited messages, and document suspicious communications for investigators. Community groups, neighborhood organizations and local leaders can play a role by sharing warnings and reinforcing safe practices.

The department's warning serves as a reminder that vigilance and prompt reporting are the most effective local defenses against scams that rely on deception and urgency.