Myers Neighborhood Association

Con artist targeting elderlyþ

confidence scheme, which targets the elderly

The Tucson Police Department would like to alert the public about aconfidence scheme, which targets the elderly. Tucson Police have received multiple reports where the suspectapproaches elderly victims in their vehicles while at the parking lotsof Tucson area businesses. The suspect advises the victims that thereis smoke coming from the rear of their vehicles and tells them to openthe trunk so he can locate the cause. The suspect then informs thevictims that the taillight wiring is the cause of the alleged fire. According to the victims, the suspect advises them that he can fix thecause of the problem and then asks for a large amount of money for theservices he claims to have provided. In some of the reported incidents, the suspect drives the victims to afinancial institution or a place where he can obtain replacement partsfor the vehicles. Detectives have also learned that the suspect startedthe fire in many of these cases and are concerned for the victim’ssafety. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 40-50 years of age,5’04” to 5’08”, medium to heavy build, and dark hair. Thesuspect’s vehicle is described as a dark colored SUV. At least threefemales have been observed in the company of the suspect during theseincidents. Detectives are urging anyone with information to contact 88-CRIME or911.