Two Suspects In Custody After Scamming Senior Citizens

Two suspects are in custody after allegedly scamming an elderly woman on the 900 block of Fair Oaks Friday.

A store employee in the 900 block of Fair Oaks contacted police when she saw two men who appeared to be harassing an elderly woman on Friday, according to

Officers eventually determined that the suspects were in the middle of a “Pigeon Drop” scheme, also known as “The Jamaican Switch," said police.

an unsuccessful attempt at the same scheme on March 16 in the 400 block of Fair Oaks. And Police believe there may be more victims out there.

Here are the specifics of the scam, according to a SPPD Nixle alert:

The suspect says that he is trying to donate a large sum of money to the poor or a church, and then a second suspect shows up, pretending to be a passer-by offering to assist, and offers up “Good Faith” Money. The suspects then persuade the victim to produce his/ her share of additional good faith money and all the proceeds are placed together. The suspects then switch the money for cut up newspaper and by the time the victim discovers the switch, the suspects are gone with their money.

If you have recently been contacted by suspects attempting this scheme, please contact South Pasadena Detectives at (626)403-7280.

Related: