N.J. warns of scam using phony lottery tickets

New Jerseyans are being warned about a lottery-ticket scam.

State lottery officials are probing several recent reports of altered tickets that have turned up throughout the state.

Scammers tell potential victims they have a winning lottery ticket they can't cash because the state would seize most of their winnings. They then offer the ticket to the victims in return for a fraction of its alleged value.

The victims learn the tickets are worthless when they try to cash them.

Lottery officials also announced that no drawings will be held on Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25. The Pick 6 drawing normally held on Thursday will be held instead on Wednesday, Dec. 24.

- AP