Full Notification

A local elderly resident was approached by a suspect who asked for help locating a church to donate a large sum of money to in exchange for a portion of the funds. The victim offered to help and the two were then contacted by another suspect, who offered to assist. During the course of the scam, the two suspects convinced the elderly victim to provide a sum of money to prove they were trustworthy. Only after the suspects fled did the victim realize their money had been stolen.

This type of scam, called a Pigeon Drop, is a confidence trick in which a mark or "pigeon" is persuaded to give up a sum of money in order to secure the rights to a larger sum of money, or more valuable object. In reality, the scammers make off with the money and the mark is left with nothing.

In the process, the stranger (actually a confidence trickster) puts his money with the mark's money (in an envelope, briefcase, or sack) which the mark is then entrusted with. The money is actually not put into the sack or envelope, but is switched for a bag full of newspaper or other worthless material. Through various theatrics, the mark is given the opportunity to make off with money without the stranger realizing. In actuality, the mark would be fleeing from his own money, which the con man still has (or has handed off to an accomplice).

Immigrants and the elderly are common victims of this type of crime, and the results can be financially devastating. The Montclair Police Department reminds everyone that scams can come in any form and often promise unsolicited benefits, such as winning a foreign lottery you never played or promising a cash reward for helping a foreign national or dignitary. If the offer is unsolicited and is promising what appears to be easy money, it is most likely a scam.

The types of scams are numerous. If you feel you may be the victim of a scam, or believe someone tried to unsuccessfully commit a scam, please contact the Montclair Police Department, and an officer can review the circumstances and discuss options available to you. The Montclair Police Department also has information pamphlets available at the front counter to assist those who need assistance discussing these scams and other financial crimes with elderly family members.