'Pigeon Drop' Scam Hitting Area

Police warn residents that a "pigeon drop" scam has been reported in the area.

Detective Joe Leskovec said that he's heard from detectives in other cities that this scam has been attempted recently. He said all cases involved an older black male and a well-dressed black female.

The suspects approach people in shopping centers and show them a large sum of money, which is actually a $20 or $100 bill wrapped around a large amount of counterfeit bills. They seek elderly people and say they are a bank employee or other important person and they ask the victim if they dropped the money.

They then ask for help finding the money's owner and offer to split the cash if the owner can't be found. The victim is asked to go to the bank and withdraw money, which is given to the suspects in return for the money that was "found." Arrangements are made to meet up after trying to find the owner, but the suspects do not return.

Leskovec said this has been happening in the northeast Ohio area and the FBI has become involved. Bedford police arrested a woman, who was released on bond Thursday night.

He said residents approached with such an offer should kindly decline, look for the car the suspects get into, try to get the license plate number and call police.