Two Suspects in Custody for Attempt to Scam Senior Citizens

On Friday 04/20/2012, an alert store employee in the 900 blk of Fair Oaks contacted police when she saw two men who appeared to be harassing an elderly woman. SPPD Officer’s determined that the suspects were in the middle of a “Pigeon Drop” scheme, known as “The Jamaican Switch”. The suspects also attempted the same scheme on 03/16/2012 in the 400 blk of Fair Oaks, but were unsuccessful.

Scheme: The suspect says that he is trying to donate a large sum of money to the poor or a church, and then a second suspect shows up, pretending to be a passer-by offering to assist, and offers up “Good Faith” Money. The suspects then persuade the victim to produce his/ her share of additional good faith money and all the proceeds are placed together. The suspects then switch the money for cut up newspaper and by the time the victim discovers the switch, the suspects are gone with their money.

If you have recently been contacted by suspects attempting this scheme, please contact South Pasadena Detectives at (626)403-7280