By Lisa Rantala - bio | email
Posted by Lisa Strawbridge - email
TOLEDO, Ohio (WTOL) - Police say scammers are victimizing the elderly and taking them for hundreds of dollars. Retired Sergeant Richard Murphy says they often have an unsuspecting story to get through the door.
A 94-year-old man answered the door to two men who said they were from the water company. According to a neighbor, the men said there was an issue with her bill. "Said something that he owed more or didn't pay enough," said Luanne Welch.
Saying he was overcharged, the men claimed they owed a refund but didn't have the correct change. When the elderly home owner went to get change, they distracted him and stole $500 in cash.
That was on California Road Friday, near Alexis and Detroit. Police say the suspects hit a 91-year-old woman at her nearby Hersh Road home Tuesday. They took her for $1200.
Retired Toledo Police Sergeant Richard Murphy said the suspects probably drive around the neighborhood in advance. "They drive around the neighborhood, and they just keep looking. They write the address down. They could have been here two to three weeks ago when it was warm."
Murphy emphasizes that neighbors should keep a lookout and home owners should ask for credentials from anyone who comes to their home.
"If they don't have a city of Toledo badge, and if you're still apprehensive, call a neighbor. Call a relative. Tell him to get the hell off your porch," Murphy said.
He stresses not to let them in without credentials just because they seem like they know what they're talking about.
"If they fail at one place, they go to another and polish up their act. They're good actors is basically what they are."
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