Elderly Mobile Woman Scammed By Fake Cops

Alabama Mobile Mobile Police say crimes against the elderly are on the rise.

by Steve Alexander

Published: Tue, February 10, 2009 - 8:28 pm CST Last Updated: Tue, February 10, 2009 - 8:43 pm CST

Imagine someone pretending to be a police officer conning his way into your home and stealing your money.
Mobile Police said that's what happened to an elderly Maysville woman Monday, and they're looking for suspects.
Police did not identify the woman, but they said three men asked to see any guns and cash in the home to check if they're stolen, and then switched the cash that was in an envelope with newspaper.
A friend who lives in the neighborhood, Georgia Dale, said the men "made her (the victim) think that her granddaughter had done something and if you don't tell me everything, we're going to have the police come and tear your house up."
Mobile Police Chief Phillip Garrett said, "Persons representing themselves as law enforcement held up a silver star of some kind. I'm not sure what it said on it, but they were dressed in plain clothes and suit coats."
Another of the woman's neighbors, Tommy Ruffin, said, "That hurts me just to hear something like that, because I always speak to her."
Granford Williams, who also lives nearby, said, "She's a sweet lady. She walks (outside) sometimes. She doesn't bother anyone."
Police have advice for the elderly.
Chief Garrett said, "Its quite okay to ask for good ID, for proper identification, persons that come to your door."
Georgia Dale said, "I tell my mother that every day. We try to drill it in her head to not open the door for people, because, she's a trusting older lady, too. She thinks everybody is good, but everybody is not good."
Chief Garrett also added, "If you feel uncomfortable about something, do not let them (strangers) in. Call 911."
Police described the suspects as black men, with slim builds, dark skin, short hair and white dress shirts, last seen driving a white late model sedan.

WKRG.com » News Stream » Crime