Police and detectives are investigating incidents of individuals targeting elderly drivers, scamming them out of money with promises to repair non-existent problems with their vehicles.
In a post on the Glendora Police Department Facebook page, officers reported scammers approached drivers and pointed out some mechanical issue, then claimed to have worked for the manufacturer and offered their services to fix the non-existent problem for half the price.
Some of the scammers have falsely claimed issues with some of the victim’s vehicle doors or tires, police said.
“The vehicle never gets repaired and typically there was never a problem to begin with,” police said.
Glendora has had three reported cases of scams occurring. The first case was reported Jan. 9 in a parking lot in the 100 block of West Foothill Blvd.
The two most recent cases occurred in the last two days. A scamming incident occurred night of Monday, Feb. 24, at Carl’s Jr., 810 S. Grand Ave. In that incident, a suspect followed the victim home and then took whatever cash or property the victim had as payment. In another case, a victim was scammed out of $1,100 and an additional $700 the suspect discovered while the elderly victim was using a restroom, said Lt. James DeMond of Glendora Police.
Today at Ralph’s, 655 S. Grand Ave., an attempt scam occurred, DeMond said.
Police also believe a group of scammers may be operating as victims gave varying vehicle descriptions, including a newer white 4-door sedan, a scratched up and dark colored older model pickup and a tow truck.
Police only provided one suspect description: a male Caucasian, 35 to 40 years old, 5 feet 6 inches tall and clean shaven. He also spoke with a Brooklyn accent.
If you are anyone you know has possibly been a victim of these scammers, call the Glendora Police Department at (626) 914-8250.
