May 8, 2008 11:24 am US/Pacific
Scam Artists Con Elderly Woman Out Of $5,000
SAN MARINO
-
-
The suspects asked for $5,600, but said they would accept $5,000 if the victim paid them cash.
CBS
Authorities Thursday warned the public about a pair of scam artists who recently conned an elderly San Marino woman out of $5,000 by falsely claiming to have repaired her roof.
The crime occurred on April 11 in the 2200 block of El Molino Place, San Marino police Sgt. Robert Cervantes said.
A man and a woman approached the victim, who is in her 80s, as she was parking her vehicle in her garage, Cervantes said.
The man -- described as white or Hispanic, in his early 40s and with a medium build -- told the woman that his name was Paul Thompson and insisted that she allow him to do some repairs on her roof, Cervantes said.
When she reluctantly agreed, the man insisted that the woman go inside the home with his companion, who he said was his daughter, "Linda Thompson," Cervantes said.
About 20 minutes later, the man called the women back outside, said the job was done and told the victim she owed him $5,600, "but he would accept $5,000 if she paid him in cash," Cervantes said.
The victim wrote out a check, which the suspects cashed.
A roofing company later inspected the home and advised the homeowner that no work had been done on her roof, which apparently had been watered down with her garden hose, Cervantes said.
Cervantes said he heard that similar scams were conducted in other areas of the Southland, but it was the first time in San Marino.
"If you have doubts about the legitimacy of a person in a situation like this, call the police and we will check it out," Cervantes said.
Anyone with information about the crime was urged to call Cervantes at (626) 300-0720.
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
