NYPD warns of a new scam where criminals pose as helpful bystanders after causing a flat tire or dropping cash, then stealing from distracted victims.
A flat tire. Dropped money. In cases like these, the NYPD says a team of seemingly good Samaritans steps in to help, but with evil intentions — as the crime begins with a smile, and ends with a scam. In the choreographed scheme, a victim who just withdrew cash from a Queens bank was stopped in her car at an intersection. That's when a man can be seen on camera using a tool to puncture her rear tire while the car’s in motion.
When the tire goes flat, another person pretends to help the driver — but instead, distracts her while another thief allegedly grabs money from inside the car. 'They’re throwing darts right where they want to hit bullseye or most likely to hit bullseye. They’re going into areas with an influx of jewelry stores. What they’re looking for is any vehicle, whether it’s a UPS vehicle or a personal vehicle,' said NYPD Assistant Chief Jason Savino. 'With this pattern this face comes with a promise. It comes with a rouse. It comes with a smile and that’s our concern. When you look at these individuals they come to assist.' The team was seen pulling off the same scam but in a different location. In Manhattan, a woman was seen on video dropping cash near a UPS truck. That's when, according to Savino, she asks the driver for help. As that driver moved to help pick up the cash, her partner sneaks into the back of the truck.Detectives are actively searching for the man and woman involved. The alleged ringleader has been arrested, but he's out on bail and suspected of still orchestrating the scam. 'We actually made an arrest on a male, 39, Brian Avila. And this individual we feel is orchestrating these incidents. This individual has been arrested eight times since May of 2024,' Savino said. 'This plays to the recidivism we are talking about. Eight arrests in the matter of seven months, all felonies. All for the same thing and he’s out and about on the streets right no
NYPD Scam Crime Good Samaritan Robbery Manhattan Queens
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Woman charged with attempted kidnapping of 3-year-old girl at Good Samaritan HospitalA 45-year-old woman has been charged after police said she attempted to kidnap a 3-year-old from an emergency room waiting room at Good Samaritan Hospital.
Read more »
10News Wake Up Call: Battery dangers during holidays, emotional reunion with good SamaritanJermaine Ong is a Digital Content Producer at ABC 10News/KGTV in San Diego.
Read more »
Man found guilty of murder in Covina fatal shooting of Good SamaritanHe faces a possible maximum sentence of life in prison without parole.
Read more »
Good Samaritan Murdered While Helping Stranded Driver in ArizonaA Good Samaritan was murdered in southern Arizona while attempting to assist a driver experiencing car troubles.
Read more »
Good Samaritan Found Dead After Helping Stranded Driver in ArizonaPaul Clifford, 53, was found dead near a smoldering vehicle after stopping to help a man with car trouble. Authorities are investigating the incident.
Read more »
Arizona Good Samaritan Found Dead After Helping Stranded MotoristA 53-year-old Arizona man, Paul Clifford, is believed to have been murdered after responding to a request for help from a stranded motorist on Christmas Eve. His body was found near a smoldering vehicle on a remote dirt road.
Read more »