SSFPD Media Release: Confidence Scheme on Southwood Drive

South San Francisco, CA   August 8, 2014   Submitted by SSFPD

On August 8, 2014 around 1230 hours, an elderly South San Francisco resident was leaving a store on the 500 block of El Camino Real in South San Francisco, when he was approached by a male suspect who inquired about where the nearest church was located.The suspect claimed to have inherited a large sum of money and asked the  victim if he could help give a way the money to those in need. The victim agreed and drove the suspect to a church on Southwood Drive in South San Francisco.

When they arrived, the  suspect claimed that he needed two people to help give the money away so he called to a pedestrian (who was actually a suspect in the scheme) who was walking by. The second suspect was told the same story as the victim and he too agreed to help distribute the money to those in need. In return, both the victim and second suspect were to be compensated with a substantial cash reward in exchange for bringing the first suspect so me money as a sign of trust and helping those in need. The second suspect briefly left and returned with an unknown amount of cash for the first suspect.

The victim then went to a nearby bank and withdrew $1100.00, which he provided to the suspects. The first suspect wrapped the victim’s money into a bandana with the roll f money the victim was supposed to give away. The victim returned to the bank to deposit all the money and found his money was not there and the roll of money was shredded newspaper.

The suspects then fled the scene and were not located. The suspects were only described as African American males, 5′-8to 6-0″ mid 30’s to mid 40’s. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to call the South  San Francisco Police Department at (650)877-8900. Anonymous tipline 952-2244