A warning about sharing lottery tickets on social media has circulated in Trinidad and Tobago after a woman reportedly lost $360 when someone allegedly used a photograph of her winning Play Whe ticket to collect the prize.
The woman posted the photo in an online group, unaware that the ticket’s barcode could be scanned by anyone who saved it. The post alleges that another individual downloaded the image and claimed the winnings, leaving the woman unable to collect her prize.
The claim has not been independently verified. An accompanying photograph shows a Cash Pot ticket dated August 12, 2025, marked as claimed, rather than a Play Whe ticket. The image does not establish that $360 was stolen or that a copied barcode was used.
Lottery operators worldwide warn that criminals can redeem prizes by photographing winning tickets and scanning the barcode. The incident underscores the real danger of posting lottery images online and serves as a cautionary tale for players who want to share their excitement without risking their winnings.
Officials in Trinidad and Tobago have not issued an official statement about the case, but the story has prompted social media users to reconsider sharing sensitive information online.
