Con Artists and How They Steal Your Money.
Part 2
By Sgt. R. Thomas Hopkins, Public Information Officer

In a previous issue from February 17, 2004, con artists and confidence games (flim flams) was addressed. In this article, I am continuing this topic by making everyone aware of a couple of different scams, which are currently being perpetrated in South Florida. Remember, in all scams the con artist is either preying on your greed or your need.

The first scam I will discuss is a variation of the old pigeon drop. I call this the lottery ticket scam. In this scenario, a nice, polite individual will approach you seeking help in locating an attorney. A second individual, who is just passing by, will also be asked for help. The both of you will be told that the individual (male or female) needs an attorney because she has a winning lottery ticket but can't collect it in person because they are an illegal immigrant. The conversation leads to a deal where you and the second person will get a substantial cut for your help. The second person will make a bogus phone call to the lottery office to verify that the ticket is a big winner. This person will then suggest that the two of you come up with collateral money for the ticket owner to hold to keep everything honest. They will accompany you to your home or bank so that you can comply. At this point, you believe that you are going to make some easy money as soon as the three of you get to the lottery office to cash your ticket. Well, before you get there, one of them has to go to the bathroom or to the pharmacy for medicine or send you in for stamps, etc.

You don't think anything is wrong because they let you watch the bag with the money. When neither returns, you look in the bag and its empty of money. You also learn that the ticket is not a winner. You have just been scammed and lost a lot of money. Believe me, this scam and its many variations has worked repeatedly. Reminiscent of movies such as "The Sting, Grifters and Match Stick Men' the con artist is very believable. They have gone through extensive training to make sure they have the scam down to a science. The lottery ticket scam is a perfect example where a deal too good to be true, was!

The next scam, which has been very popular as of late, is called the "the flat tire thief." In this scenario, the thief will target you after you have left a bank or a jewelry store. While inside, the thief has made a small puncture in your tire in such a way that it becomes flat shortly after driving away.

You either notice your tire is going flat or are told by a passerby. Shortly after pulling over a good Samaritan appears to help you in your time of need. While this person is helping you, he is also distracting you while someone else is stealing your purse, briefcase, bank bag or anything else holding your valuables. You can protect yourself by using your cell phone to call family, friends or the police. Politely decline help other than can you call the police for me. Your Sunny Isles Beach Police Department will be happy to make sure you are safe and not victimized.

The next issue will be the last in this series and will list at least a dozen different scams that are used daily on consumers and homeowners. A final word of advice is to never let anyone pressure you into making quick decisions and remember the Sunny Isles Beach Police are there for you.

 

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