-Press Release-
For Immediate Release
January 31, 2008
Contact: Corporal Rudy Lopez
West Covina Police Department
Phone: 626 523-4031 (cell), 626 939-8685 (desk)

West Covina Police Advisory:
BEWARE OF MONEY SCAM
Case No. 08-1104 / 08-1107
WEST COVINA, CA - The West Covina Police Department is issuing this advisory of another scam where the suspects are targeting mostly older, Hispanic women. On Wednesday, January 30, 2008, two different victims reported the theft of their money within a half an hour of each other. Both victims were Hispanic females, 60 and 69 years old and were alone at the time of the crime.

One victim was approached while walking in the city of Irwindale by a Spanish speaking male suspect who claimed he had a winning lottery ticket and was looking for the law offices of "Martinez and Martinez". A female suspect approached and claimed she knew where it was and offered to take the male suspect there, and also offered to give the victim a ride. During the trip into West Covina, the male suspect used the ruse that he needed an attorney's help in cashing a winning lottery ticket worth 1 million dollars. The female suspect called someone who portrayed themselves to be with the Lotto who "verified" that the ticket was a winner and that the ticketholder needed two witnesses and money up front for collateral. The female encouraged the victim to assist, guaranteeing she would get her money back. The female suspect drove the victim home to retrieve $1600.00 and some jewelry. Once in the car, the male suspect claimed he had a headache and asked if the victim could enter a pharmacy and purchase aspirin for him. When the victim entered the building, the suspects fled with the cash and jewelry.

The second victim was approached while shopping inside a store in West Covina by a Spanish speaking male suspect who was looking for Martinez and Martinez Law Offices. The male claimed his father was dying in Costa Rica and needed to get a document notarized that there will be money sent there so that his father would get some medical assistance. The victim was encouraged to make a cash advance on her credit card and that she would immediately get her money back after they get the notarization. The victim was driven to a Bank of America where she took out $8000.00 on a credit card and handed the money to the male suspect. The male then began coughing and asked the victim to get him some water at a nearby restaurant. When the victim entered the restaurant, the suspects fled with the money.

There may have been two teams of suspects working the area, as the descriptions vary slightly.

1st Team suspects: M/H, 40-45, 5'3, 165,short black hair, clean shaven, gray shirt, blue pants, Spanish speaking.

: F/H, 50-55, 5'2 170, short reddish hair, wearing sunglasses, brown sweatshirt, brown pants, Spanish speaking

Vehicle: Newer gray van, windows all around with sliding side door.

2nd Team suspects: M/H 50, 5'0, 120, short brown hair, wearing dark colored suit, Spanish speaking

:F/H, 30's, 5'3 140, long brown hair, scarf around pony tail, plastic sunglasses, Spanish speaking

Vehicle: White mini van with doors that open out

Anyone with information is asked to contact WCPD at 626 939-8557.

Photo of suspect in bank available for release. Victim in $8000.00 loss case available for interview.

Press Release issued by Corporal Rudy Lopez. Contact: 626 523-4031 (cell), 626 939-8685 (desk).

Approved by_______________________ Date: _________

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