Deputies say flim-flam scam targeting area elderly

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By Dustin Blanchard dblanchard@nbcaugusta.com

Story Published: Jul 8, 2009 at 11:39 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jul 8, 2009 at 11:39 PM EDT

AUGUSTA, Ga. - A warning about a scam that cost elderly Augustans at least $30,000 in June.

Call it flim-flam, a confidence trick, or just a hustle, here's how it works:

"They come forward with large envelopes of money, say things like I have $60,000 and if you can give me 5, I can split it with you," said Sgt. Paul Evans.

One woman, in her 70's, says she was victimized in the TJ Maxx parking lot.

She says the scammers told her they needed $10,000 to help evenly divide up a bag of cash they found. They told her they were talking to a lawyer inside. She says she didn't even have time to think twice.

Deputies say she's not alone. In June, it happened outside Walgreens and Borders book store.

"They go outside, watch the elderly, gain their confidence and trick them," said Evans.

So how can you protect yourself? Deputies say as always, if it sounds too good to be true, it is.

"If anyone approaches you with a large amount of money, they're trying to scam you," Evans said.

Unfortunately, there's at least three more Augustans learning that lesson now.

Deputies say they aren't sure if the three cases are related.

 


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Saturday, Jul 11 at 6:07 AM cc wrote ...

I don't understand the scam, if you have a bag of cash, why do you need more money to divide it

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Friday, Jul 10 at 1:39 PM Angry wrote ...

This happened to my Mother, as well. These scammers, like most, don't care that they are taking your last dime. They have no regards for anyone but themselves. These people don't belong in jail, they belong under it. Be careful, don't trust strangers, don't walk away-run!

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Friday, Jul 10 at 1:15 AM justice will prevail wrote ...

MY MOM WAS A VICTIM OF THIS. SHE IS 65. IT STILL HURTS MY HEART THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO HER AND OTHERS. THESE EVIL DIRT BAGS WHO PREY ON THE ELDERLY WILL ROT IN PRISON EVENTUALLY.

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Thursday, Jul 9 at 10:45 AM meohmy wrote ...

It's a shame how these thugs prey on the elderly.

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