Thread: Woman Scammed For $15,000

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Woman Scammed For $15,000

By Mary O'Keefe


While shopping at "Big Lots" in La Cañada Flintridge on Wednesday afternoon, a 56-year-old Los Angeles woman was allegedly involved in a "scam" that costs her $15,000.

According to the Glendale Police, the woman, Maria Guadalupe Valenzuela, had been shopping at Big Lots and was allegedly approached in the parking lot by a woman who gave her name as Maria Guadalupe Hernandez. She asked if she knew of a business that helped Latinos receive home loans. She explained to Valenzuela that she was an illegal immigrant and needed help. Valenzuela said she was unaware of any loan offices in the area. Just then, a man who gave his name as Jose Lopez, 60, introduced himself. He told Valenzuela that he had overheard their conversation and knew of a new place on Foothill Boulevard that specializes in loans to Latinos. Lopez told them that he did not have a car so Valenzuela offered to drive both Lopez and Hernandez to the Foothill location.

While they were still in the parking lot, Hernandez told of her job working for an "Italian woman." Her employer had offered to buy a Fantasy Lotto Ticket that Hernandez had in her possession for $40,000. Lopez "grabbed" the ticket and ran into Oceanview Liquors to check on the Lotto ticket numbers. Valenzuela did not actually see Lopez enter the store. When he returned he told the women that the ticket was worth $186,000. He allegedly called the California Lottery office and spoke to a man who confirmed the winning numbers. Lopez allowed Valenzuela to speak to the alleged Lotto official who told her that since the ticket was purchased by an illegal immigrant she could not claim the money. He explained that Valenzuela and Lopez could act as witnesses and receive the money on Hernandez’s behalf but first they would have to get some papers notarized and would need $15,000 in cash. He also told her that by helping in this matter the lottery office would reward both her and Lopez with $9,000 each. Hernandez also offered each of them $5,000 in cash if they helped claim her money.

Lopez said that he had some money, $3,000, with him and could get $1,500 more from his Citibank account. They drove to Citibank on Foothill in La Crescenta where Lopez allegedly withdrew $1,500. Again, Valenzuela did not see him go into the bank. The money was placed in a bag. Valenzuela then agreed to put up $15,000 to help claim the winning ticket. The three drove to Wells Fargo Bank on Foothill in La Cañada. Valenzuela went into the bank while Lopez and Hernandez waited outside. The teller could not complete the transaction because the funds were "not readily available." They then drove to Wells Fargo Bank in the 500 block of Brand Avenue in Glendale where Valenzuela successfully withdrew $15,000. The money was placed in the bag with Lopez’s money.

The three then began their trip to the lottery office when Hernandez began complaining of pain. They stopped at a Rite-Aid in the 600 block of North Glendale Boulevard in Glendale. Hernandez handed Valenzuela $5 for aspirin. She left the money bag in the car and walked toward Rite-Aid. Valenzuela got a "funny feeling" about the situation before she entered the store and returned to her vehicle. Lopez and Hernandez were gone, the money bag was on the vehicle’s seat but it was filled with paper not cash.

The investigation is on going. Anyone with information concerning this event can call Glendale Police at 548 4818. Hernandez is described as 60-years-old, blond with an Latin accent, last seen wearing a pink blouse and dark pants. Lopez is described as 60-years-old, black hair, last seen wearing a light blue shirt and khaki pants.

This is an old scam in Miami and the So. Fl. area.

Apparently it still fools a lot of people.

apparently!

Only selfish or stupid people fall for a "pigion drop." Its not at all unusual to have ethnic types rip off other ethnic type in this scam. I don't understand how anyone in their right mind would think a total stranger wants to "share" money with them. They probably belive in the Bible too... (just a little jab)

I can't believe anybody falls for this sort of crap.