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Detectives Say Scam Targets Elderly

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TBO.com

Published: October 22, 2008

Hillsborough County sheriff's detectives are looking for two women they say scam bank account information, money and jewelry from the elderly.

In a three-day span that started Oct. 6, four women ages 80 and older fell for the scheme in Brandon, Seffner and Lutz, the sheriff's office said.

The victims were approached as they left a store or a business. The two women who talked to the victims were extremely friendly and dressed in professional business attire, detectives say.

The first woman is black, 35 to 38 years old, 5-feet-9-inches tall and more than 250 pounds.

The second woman is black, 45 to 50 years old, with a medium complexion, and more than 250 pounds. She has short hair parted in the middle that is red in front and black in the back.

The duo showed the victims a box with what appears to be cash and told them they found the money, detectives say. The victims are asked if the money belongs to them, then told the cash would be split three ways.

The women said they had to authenticate the money, but needed jewelry or a credit card number for collateral.

Two victims gave the women diamond rings worth more than $1,500 each. Another victim was convinced to withdraw more than $10,000 from her bank account, detectives said.

Anyone with information can call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at (813) 247-8200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-8477.

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