Police continue to see people being victimized by scams. Two men recently scammed a victim out of money in what is referred to as a Pigeon Drop. “If it’s too good to be true then it probably is,” said Detective Claressa Wilson of the Sacramento Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit.

On Thursday, January 15, 2009, 1:30 p.m., the victim went to Washington Mutual Bank (1331 Florin Road). While at the bank, he was approached by a man who introduced himself as “Andrew.” Andrew told the victim that he had $200,000 and that he wanted to donate it to charity. He then asked for directions to a nearby church. The victim tried to explain directions to a church but found that Andrew appeared confused and offered to drive Andrew to the church. Upon arrival at a church on Amherst Way near Meadowview Road, Andrew left some items in the car and stated he needed to go inside and use the restroom. Andrew came back out accompanied by another man who identified himself as “Paul.” Both Paul and Andrew asked the victim to help them donate the $200,000. Paul and Andrew asked the victim to show that he had money before they could trust him with the $200,000 that was to be donated. Victim took the two suspects back to the bank and withdrew $7,300 dollars out of his own account. The suspects then had the victim put the $7,300 into a bag which they said contained the $200,000. The suspects gave the bag to the victim and asked him to put all of the money in a safety deposit box. When the victim went into the bank he discovered that his money was gone and the bag was full of paper.

“Andrew” was described as a male Black adult, 5’5 tall with dark skin. He was wearing a black jacket and wore a gold ring with a jade stone on one of his fingers.

“Paul” was described as a male Black adult, 6’0” tall with dark skin. He was wearing a dark suit and was carrying a black brief case.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information regarding this crime to contact Crime Alert, at (916) 443-HELP. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.