THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, October 3, 1995 TAG: 9510030250
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: HAMPTON LENGTH: Short : 32 lines
Police are looking for a man who they say swindled $9,000 from an elderly resident Monday by claiming to be the police chief.
Authorities said the suspect telephoned the elderly man and said police needed his help to catch a bank employee who was embezzling funds.
The suspect asked the 91-year-old retired railroad worker to withdraw money from a bank for evidence, and to help in the investigation, police said.
The man made the withdrawal, met the suspect near the bank about 3 p.m., and handed over the money. The suspect, who flashed a badge, hasn't been seen since.
The scam is common, frequently referred to as the bank examiner's con. Similar scams were reported in South Hampton Roads cities last year, and police think they may be related.
Police never ask citizens to withdraw money as part of an investigation.
The suspect in Monday's scam was described as a white male, 50, about 5-foot-8, with a thin build. He was wearing a gray suit and had a badge clipped to his shirt.
Police asked anyone with information to call the Hampton Crime Line at 722-9800. by CNB