Doris Cook

Jun. 18, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- JEFFERSON -- An 86-year-old Ashtabula County woman is the latest victim of scam artists, who prey on the elderly and naive, says sheriff's administrator, Lt. Greg Leonhard.

"Deputies will check surveillance tapes from the Super K-Mart Store in Ashtabula Mall where the victim was approached by the female suspects." Leonhard said. "The victim was reluctant I'm told to even call us to report what happened."

The victim was given false names by the scam artists. Nonetheless she fell for their story of finding a wallet full of money, Leonhard said.

She was asked to come up with $11,000 to check for dollar bill serial numbers on the "fake wallet cash." The victim went to her local bank, Northwest Savings Bank branch, to withdraw part of the $11,000.

According to the victim's account, a bank employee was suspicious and questioned as to why she was taking the money out, but couldn't stop her from withdrawing the money. Investigators are checking with bank employees if they saw who accompanied the woman to the bank, Leonhard said.

The suspects in the scam were described by the elderly victim as an older woman around 60 and her accomplice in her 30s.

"When people are approached about any type of money making scheme, it's probably a scam," Leonhard said. "If it sounds too good, the best advice is don't fall for it or do it. Before committing any money to a stranger, check with a family member or call us or your local police."

Newstex ID: KRTB-0322-26057924