News Releases

MCPD Detectives Seek Help to Identify Scam Suspects – 87-Year-Old Woman Victimized

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Financial Crimes Section are asking the public for help to identify suspects wanted for a larceny commonly known as a “Pigeon Drop Scam.”  This incident occurred on June, 19, 2012.  Detectives now have a surveillance photograph to release of one of the two suspects involved.

On June 19 at 2:00 p.m. officers responded to the Capital One Bank in the White Oak Shopping Center located at 11261 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring.  There they met with the 87-year-old female victim from Silver Spring.

The investigation revealed that at 11:00 that morning, the victim had purchased some items from the Giant at 11221 New Hampshire Avenue.  When she left the store an unknown white female walked beside her on the sidewalk outside of the Giant.  An unknown black male who was holding a black bag filled with cash approached them.  He asked if the bag belonged to either of the women.  Both said it did not.  He began to explain to them that he worked for the Capital One Bank at the above address and was willing to share the money with them but they would need to contribute $20,000 in cash each in good faith to get the money.

The female suspect immediately agreed to the deal and produced $20,000 in cash.  The victim then agreed to obtain cash.  She was able to withdraw $15,000 from the bank while accompanied by the female suspect, but to get to the $20,000 demanded by the male suspect she returned to her home and then provided jewelry worth over $10,000.

When the victim returned to the parking lot of the White Oak Shopping Center, the male suspect was gone and the female suspect made a quick escape.  The victim entered the bank and called police.

The suspects are described as:  a white female in her late 30s to 40s, 5’4” tall with a round face.  She spoke without an accent and carried a big purse.  Another witness believed that the suspect was wearing a wig and might actually have blond hair.  That is not apparent from the surveillance photograph.  She was wearing black slacks and a green blouse at the time the scam occurred.

The male suspect, for which there is no photograph, is described as a black  male in his late 30’s to 40’s, approximately 6’ tall with a medium build, black short hair, no facial hair, and was a “fast talker.”  On the day of the scam he was well-dressed with a white shirt and tie.

Anyone who has information about this incident or is able to provide information regarding the identity of the suspects is asked to call the MCPD Financial Crimes Section at 240-773-6330.  Those who wish to remain anonymous can call 240-773-TIPS (8477).  Anonymous tips can also be provided by typing “MCPD” plus the tip on a cell phone or PDA and texting it to 274637 (CRIMES.)

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Release ID: 12-133
Media Contact: mcpnews 
Categories: press-releases