An 86 year old Chesterfield man, Walter Mapes, describes what local authorities describe as a likely distraction scam. The man reported that someone brushed up against his back while he was shopping at a Richmond area PUBLIX supermarket. The scammer showed Mapes a napkin covered in mustard. The man offers to help clean it off in the restroom. Once in the restroom, Mapes says he knew something was off as the man padded him down looking for his wallet. When Mapes yelled for them to stop and accomplice arrived and said they should leave. Read more HERE
From Chesterfield Police FB: You may have already seen postings online by victims of "distraction scams" in Chesterfield County this month. Attached is a picture of at least two of the suspects involved in these cases. If you recognize them, please contact Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660 or p3tips.com/699. We want to remind everyone to be aware of your surroundings, whether you're shopping in the store, walking through the parking lot, or enjoying a park. The incidents that have been reported to us involve one or a few suspects approaching the victim, attempting to "help" them with something (something on their clothes, something wrong with their car, etc.), and stealing the victims' wallets/purses while they are distracted. Remember to trust your gut. Remember that not everyone has our best interests in mind. It hurts to say "don't trust anyone," but it's really the best way to protect yourself. These scammers tend to target the older population and we need to make sure our family members and friends are informed of this type of crime.
Photo: Getty Images