Failed Scam Targeted Elderly Man; Police Issue Warning

reported an attempted scam in South Pasadena this morning and issued a warning and detailed description of the con.

The full release is below.

On 3-16-12, at about 11 AM, an attempt scam occurred to an elderly victim in the parking lot of Osh (400 block of Fair Oaks, South Pasadena). The victim caught on to the scam and did not give the suspects any money. Suspect maybe still in the area attempting to scam another elderly victim.

Victim said at about 11 AM he was about to enter his parked vehicle when S1 walked up and said that he was lost. S1 said that he was dropped off by a taxi, but was suppose to be in Wilshire Blvd. to meet with his attorney. S1 pulled out a cell phone and called an unknown male, who S1 claimed to be his attorney. S1 gave his cell phone to the victim to give directions to the claimed attorney. The claimed attorney said that he would pick up S1 only at a Catholic Church. Victim said he knew where a church was and gave S1 a ride to St. James Church (1300 block of Monterey Road). S2 just happened to walk by and S1 called out to S2, saying he looked like an honest person. S2 enters victim’s vehicle and S1 says that he has only been in the country for two days and his visa expires at 6 PM today, and must leave the country. S1’s father lived in the US and passed away leaving eight million dollars to be given away to charity. S1 opens a small bag that he was carrying and victim sees lots of US currency. S1 says he will give $90,000.00 to S2 and victim if they would help distribute some of the cash to various Catholic Churches. S1 asks for good faith money and S2 says he lives nearby and exits vehicle. S2 returns minutes later with a bag containing cash, Rolex watch and misc. jewelry. Victim says he does not want to assist and S1 and S2 exit vehicle. Suspects say they will look for an honest person and wait for S1’s attorney to pick him up.

S1 described as a Male, Eastern European, 45 years, 507, 170, black hair, wearing gray clothes and carrying a small black leather bag.

S2 described as a Male, Black, 45-50 years, 510, 170, black hair, black/gray beard, wearing black or dark blue shirt and pants.

Should you be approached with someone asking for your assistance that involves cash, call the police. Never give “good faith” money to any stranger.