Be wary when you play scratch-offs in 2024, that's the message for scratcher players from authorities.

Because some ticket sellers are cashing in on scratch-off winning tickets with a sneaky tactic, and players are missing out on prizes.

This is how it works...

Vendors scratch out a tiny code at the bottom of a scratchers ticket and then enter that into a lottery computer to determine if the ticket is a winner.

The merchant then cashes in the winning tickets and leaves their customers with the losing ones.

You can guard against the scam by examining the ticket for areas that have already been scratched. Check that there are no numbers revealed at the bottom of the ticket.

If you suspect the card has been tampered with, call 1-800-LOTTERY, officials said.