I 've never actually purchased a scratchcard with my own money—all of my experience taking a coin to that crumbly, silvery coating comes from gift cards and the odd scratchcard a family member has ...

I am in a dingy hotel room, sitting on the bed. Across from me is a man, his face hidden by a large and expressionless mask. I need $14,000 for an unspecified operation, and he has generously offered ...