Crime Alert: Secret Millionaire Scam

     Detectives at the Van Nuys Division are alerting people to be aware of what they are calling " The Secret Millionaire Scam."

"The targets in this kind of thing are older people in Sherman Oaks or other nearby areas," said James Grant a crime intelligence analyst at the Los Angeles Police Department.

  Here's how it works according to Grant, "The victims are approached by two suspects in supermarkets or on the street. One of them claims to have received a multi-million dollar inheritance and the other claims to be the attorney for the first suspect."

"The duo flashes a briefcase with a large amount of money, the con here is they are telling people that they are trying to donate the money but need proof that the receipient has a bank account and funds."

"They ask their victim to take them to their bank and withdraw a large amount of money. They try to convince the victim to contribute as well. Once that is done they find a way to distract the victim and disappear." added Grant.

The suspects are described as a Male Hispanic, 30-40 years old, 220 pounds, 5 feet 8 inches tall. The second man is a Male Black with an " African accent" 40 years old, 250 pounds, 6 feet 3 inches tall.

"Generally they will approach older people, but sometimes they will target folks who are new in the country and may think that this kind of con is legitimate, "said crime analyst Grant.

If contacted by either suspect, Police are asking people to call Van Nuys Detectives at 818-374-0040.