By Jim Sterne
News Editor
An 80-year-old woman was almost the victim of a deceptive practice that would have enriched the perpetrators by $9,500. The freaud was foiled by the keen observation of a bank teller.
The victim entered her bank, the Northern Trust at 2814 W. Fullerton Ave., on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 1 p.m. to withdraw the large sum of money. The teller became suspicious and persuaded the victim to remain inside the bank.
One offender, a black female in her 40s, 5’7” and 150 lb., wearing glasses, a black leather coat and a black skirt, was in the bank with the victim. When the teller began asking about the purpose of the transaction, the offender exited the bank and fled with her accomplice in a ‘99 Dodge Intrepid. The accomplice was described as a gray haired 60-year-old black female, 5’6” and 150 lb., wearing glasses and a black suit jacket and pants.
The victim was first approached by the offenders in the 4600 block of N. Western Ave. According to police reports, the victim was involved in a “pigeon drop” confidence scheme that went awry, thanks to a teller who knew how to take care of her customers.
The “pigeon drop” is a confidence game that begins when a victim is approached and asked to split the proceeds of a lottery ticket, or some sort of cash prize, that cannot be claimed for some reason, such as the clamant is a foreign national.
Usually another person, acting like a stranger but in actuality an accomplice, approaches and is included in the scheme. The inclusion of the accomplice adds a dimension of truth or gives credence to the story which otherwise might not be believed.
Next, the victim is asked for “earnest money” or money to show “good faith.” After the money is received, some pretext allows the victim to be left behind while the offenders escape with the victim’s money. |
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