HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011_02_16_Gold bar scam
BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE Greg Williamson, Chief of Police Contact: Sergeant Mary DeGeare Public Information Officer 661-326-3803 mdegeare@Bakersfieldpd.us For Immediate
Release February 10, 2010 The Bakersfield Police Department would like to notify the community to be cautious of a recently reported scam targeted at Spanish speaking victims. On 2/15/11,
the victim, a 59 year old Spanish speaking woman, reported she was shopping at Wal-Mart, 6225 Colony Street when she was contacted by a dark complexioned Hispanic man in his 60s, 5’1”
tall, very thin, with short black hair and dark eyes, who asked her for directions to an address he had written on an envelope. A second man, described as a Hispanic male 40s, 5’10”
heavy build with light brown eyes wearing a windbreaker and derby style hat, approached to assist and told the suspect the address was located in affluent area in New York City. The
suspect pulled a small gold bar from the envelope and explained that his grandson was seriously injured by a hit and run driver and as the driver sped away several envelopes fell from
the vehicle, all containing gold bars and addressed to the same New York address. The suspect said he was trying to sell the gold bars to pay for his grandson’s medical care. The second
man offered to take the gold bar to a jeweler to determine its worth while the suspect remained at Wal-Mart with the victim. The second man returned and told them both what the gold
bar had appraised for and showed them both an envelope full of cash for which he was offering the suspect in exchange for the gold bar. The suspect then persuaded the victim to purchase
a second gold bar for whatever she could afford as an initial down payment. Both men accompanied the victim to her bank where she withdrew a large sum of money, which she gave the suspect
in return for the gold bar. The victim parted ways with the two men and later took the gold bar to a jeweler who informed her it was worthless metal. Anyone with information regarding
the identity of either suspect is encouraged to call Sergeant Jon Scott at 326-3869.