HomeMy WebLinkAbout13_10_24 Community Alert Scam 13-218262
BAKERSFIELD POLICE
DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Greg Williamson, Chief of Police
Contact: Michaela Sims
Public Information Office
661-326-3803
msims@bakersfieldpd.us
For Immediate Release October 24, 2013
The Bakersfield Police Department would like to notify the community of a scam and suspicious circumstance
which occurred earlier this week.
On October 22, 2013, an elderly victim was approached by the first suspect in the parking lot of the Costco, located
at 3800 Rosedale Highway. The first suspect advised the victim he was on a mission and needed to donate a large
sum of money to people who assist him. A second suspect approached the first suspect and victim. The victim
then drove the suspects to his bank, where he withdrew a large sum of money with the promise from the suspects
he would receive $80,000. The victim was asked by the suspects to let them out and drive around the block
proving the suspects were trustworthy. When the victim returned, he would be given the money. The victim
returned and the suspects had fled with the victim’s money.
A suspicious circumstance with similar characteristics occurred on October 23, 2013.
An individual was approached by a subject in the parking lot of Home Depot, located at 4001 Ming Avenue. The
subject engaged the individual in conversation, telling him he had received a large inheritance and needed help
accomplishing tasks in America in order to receive his inheritance. The subject showed the individual a large sum
of money in a black bag. The individual gave the subject a ride to the 2700 block of White Lane; however, became
suspicious and told the subject he was busy and left.
The subject, depicted in the attached video surveillance photographs, is described as a Black Male, 50 to 60 years
of age, 6’00” tall, 185 lbs. with a slim build, thin face, unshaven, with a heavy African accent. He was last seen
wearing a black hat, black Jacket, white t-shirt and tan pants.
The subject’s vehicle, depicted in the attached video surveillance photograph, is described as a newer silver or dark
grey Sports Utility Vehicle SUV, possibly a Chevy Equinox with chrome rims.
The investigation is continuing.
Anyone with information regarding either subject or an incident similar is urged to contact the Bakersfield Police
Department at (661) 327-7111 or Detective Craig at (661) 326-3541.
You can now send an anonymous text message to the Bakersfield Police Department. It’s quick and it’s easy.
Simply enter 274637 into your phone and text BPDCRIMES along with your message. The text is sent to the
police department and the sender remains completely anonymous.
Tips can also be anonymously sent through the smartphone “TipSubmit” mobile App or via email at
https://www.tipsubmit.com.