Man suspected in "Irish Traveler" scheme found with $70,000 cash, stolen jewelry in Quincy
QUINCY – Quincy Police said a man found with more than $70,000 in cash and stolen jewelry is believed to be involved in a "Irish Traveler" scam targeting people in Massachusetts.
An officer pulled over an Irish national driving a Land Rover Defender Saturday morning after they say he made an illegal turn on Stratton Way while pulling out of the Holiday Inn Express. The man, who was not identified, was driving without a license, police said.
Officers searched the SUV and said they found more than $70,000 in U.S. and foreign currency, stolen jewelry, and they found four high school graduation rings dating back to the 1960's.
Investigators believe the man is part of what they called an "Irish Traveler" construction scam. Quincy Police said there have been an increase in incidents in Massachusetts.
Suspects will regularly show up at homes unsolicited saying they have leftover building materials. They will then continue to find more things they claim need to be repaired in your home.
"It is important for victims of these type of sophisticated scams to report these crimes as it allows our detectives to investigate and coordinate with other law enforcement agencies in the area since these crimes are a regional issue," Quincy Police Chief Mark Kennedy said in a statement Monday.
The man was issued a summons to appear in Quincy District Court for motor vehicle offenses and the Department of Homeland Security was notified.