Police Search For Trio Who Pulled Off Valentine's Day Scam
ROSEVILLE (WWJ) - Police in Roseville are investigating a Valentine's Day scam that was anything but "sweet."
Investigators say three suspects -- a man and two women -- ripped off at least two residents, and they think the trio is working together. In both incidents, police say the suspects talk their way into a home and put the victims at ease. There were no threats or injuries.
Both incidents happened on Thursday between 10:50 and 11:15 a.m, one in the 19000 block of Shadowoods and the other in the 31000 block of Cristina, just west of I-94 near 13 Mile Road.
In the first incident, the homeowner pulled into the driveway and a white vehicle pulled in behind the homeowner. One of the female suspects exited and greeted the homeowner by name. The female suspect said she was from a senior center, and had a box of chocolates, balloons and flowers for Valentine's Day.
The female suspect started talking to the homeowner and asked if she could get change for a $20 bill. Police say the homeowner agreed and both went inside, where the suspect was given two $10 bills. While doing this, police say the suspect continued the small talk and also asked if the homeowner needed help with house work. The suspect then left the home. The homeowner checked her purse and found that an envelope with cash was missing.
The suspect in this instance is described as a 35- to 45-year-old white female, about 5'7" and 300 lbs. with longer dark hair and dark eyes. At the time of the crime, she was wearing a red, possible flower pattern blouse with red pants. She's described as having very heavy makeup with bright red lipstick. The homeowner described the suspect's overall look as "gaudy," wearing clothing that was too tight it "accentuated her fat rolls, as they were bulging out everywhere."
In the second incident, a man and woman approached the home and knocked on the door. When the homeowners appeared, the female suspect them if they remembered her. Police say small talk ensued and both suspects were allowed in the house.
Once inside, the female suspect presented the homeowners with a box of candy, as in the first incident. After the suspects left after a short time, the homeowners discovered that cash was missing from a wallet.
The suspects in this instance are described as a 35- to 45-year-old white female, about 5'7," wearing a "wide" frame pair of glasses; and a 35- to 40- year-old white male, about 5'8" tall. No other descriptions were given.
Anyone with information on the suspects is asked to call the Roseville Police Department at 586-775-8111 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
