A Charleston County man is facing serious legal trouble after allegedly committing lottery fraud using someone else’s winning tickets. The incident, which involved digital images of scratch-off tickets, highlights a growing concern over how easily lottery winnings can be claimed without proper verification.
Man Charged with Lottery Fraud in Charleston County
Franklin Alfonso Grant, Jr., 28, was arrested on August 22 and charged with intent to defraud and counterfeit game tickets, according to an official report from the South Carolina Education Lottery and law enforcement.
The investigation began after the victim, who had legally purchased the tickets, noticed something suspicious and alerted authorities.
How the Fraud Happened
According to arrest affidavits, Grant Jr. allegedly used photos of the victim’s lottery tickets, which had been shared with him via phone. He then went to the Dorchester Mini Mart on Dorchester Road and redeemed the winnings without the ticket owner’s permission.
The total amount he walked away with was $790 in cash. Officials said the tickets were never physically handed over to Grant — only the images.
This method of fraud, using digital copies instead of actual tickets, has raised questions about how lottery retailers verify winners and whether more security measures are needed.
Legal Action Taken
Following the complaint and investigation, Grant was arrested and booked into the Charleston County Detention Center. He now faces criminal charges for attempting to defraud the lottery system, which is taken seriously due to the strict rules governing ticket claims and payouts.
Growing Concerns Over Lottery Security
This case highlights a potential loophole in the lottery claim process — the misuse of shared ticket images. With people often sharing photos of winning tickets on messaging apps or social media, there’s an increased risk of someone else cashing them in.
The South Carolina Education Lottery urges people to:
Never share images of your lottery tickets, especially if they appear to be winners
Sign the back of your ticket as soon as you buy it
Keep physical possession of your ticket until you claim your prize
Only trust yourself or authorized representatives to handle your tickets
Franklin Alfonso Grant Jr.’s arrest serves as a warning to both lottery players and fraudsters. What may seem like a harmless way to cash in could actually lead to criminal charges. Lottery winners must stay vigilant and protect their tickets — even from people they know. As this case shows, even a shared photo can turn into a legal nightmare if used dishonestly.
