Wednesday, Jun. 16, 2010

Smoking car scam hits Madera County Scam targets seniors

Courtsey of Madera County Sheriff's Department

Madera County Sheriff John Anderson is warning residents of an age old scam that has surfaced again in Madera County. So far it appears the predator is preying upon Senior Citizens.

In the last week two women have been approached, one in Madera, the other in Chowchilla.

Both women shared a similar story.

Each was parked outside a business. As soon as they got into their vehicles and turned on the ignition, a man suddenly appeared, informing them their car was smoking and advised them to turn the engine off.

He then checked under the car, telling both women the problem. In once case the victim was advised that her catalytic converter had failed.

He then offered to get the car fixed but needs cash to purchase the part.

One of the victims said she'd take her chances and drove away.

The other woman believed the man but didn't have the cash, so she drove to her bank, in that supposedly faulty vehicle.- to withdraw the money to pay for the part. He actually followed her, took the cash, and then took off.

Sheriff Anderson learned about both cases on Tuesday, June 8. He says neither victim, however, could provide law enforcement with a description of the man.

Anderson is warning seniors to be on alert and hopes that anyone who may have information about this "smoking car" scam will call the Madera County Sheriff's Department at either 559-675-7770 or toll free at 1-800-560-4911.