Another Elderly Victim Scammed Out Of Jewelry By Woman Who Uses Fake Jewelry To Disorient Victims

PALO ALTO, CA — Palo Alto police are again warning older residents and their caregivers to be aware of a scam that involves strangers approaching them on the street and confusing victims with offers of gifts of fake jewelry to distract them, then taking the victim's real jewelry.

The most recent theft was reported by police on Sunday and involved a victim in her 80s who was robbed on a residential street on Oct. 13. The victim did not report the theft for 10 days, police said.

She was walking in the 3500 block of Bryant Street when a red car pulled over and parked along the curb in front of her. A woman got out, approached the victim and forced several pieces of fake jewelry into her hand and attempted to put a necklace on the victim.

The victim pushed the woman away, who got back in the car and drove away. The victim then noticed that her necklace had been taken.

The theft matches the routine of a scam that was reported in January in South San Francisco. The same scam was reported in February in Palo Alto, in San Pablo in April, and again in Palo Alto in May.

As with previous cases, the victim described the suspects as Middle Eastern and in their 30s.

Two residents of the city of Norwalk, in Los Angeles County--Florin Calin, 31, and Iza Calin, 27--were arrested in the South San Francisco theft in February. Palo Alto police did not say whether the thefts were connected, but said in a news release that they were investigating any relationship to previously reported incidents.

The victim did not report any injuries in the most recent theft. The vehicle used was described as a red car. Previous thefts reportedly involved a dark gray SUV and a white SUV.

Police advised residents and caregivers to be aware of the scam, be cautious of strangers who approach anyone unsolicited, and try to maintain a safe distance from strangers. If such an encounter occurs, immediately take stock of any possessions, especially worn jewelry, and report the interaction to police.

Anyone with information about this theft or any similar incidents was asked to call the Palo Alto Police Department at (650) 329-2413. Anonymous tips can be left via voicemail or text message at (650) 383-8984.

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