Couple sought in ‘pigeon drop’ scam

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003 | 9:45 a.m.

Metro Police are searching for a couple who have been defrauding young Asian and elderly women in the area of University of Nevada, Las Vegas by offering a scheme to make some fast money.

The couple have pulled off the scam at least 11 times between March and Nov. 20. They are finding victims around UNLV and in bank parking lots or stores close to banks, police said.

Sgt. Ed Kravetz of Metro's fraud detail said the scam, commonly known as a "pigeon drop," works like this:

A woman approaches a potential victim and says she just found $150,000 and offers to give the victim a portion of it if the victim agrees to pay taxes on it.

The woman's male accomplice pretends to overhear the conversation and says he would like to be in on the action, which increases the victim's interest, Kravetz said.

After the victim hands over some cash, between $1,500 and $3,000, the woman tells her she will pick her up at on a certain day and time and go to her lawyer's office where she will officially give her a portion of the money, but the scammer never shows up, Kravetz said.

Police believe they are targeting young Asian women who don't speak English well and elderly women because they tend to be more trusting.

Initially the incidents were occurring sporadically, but in October they hit once a week on Thursday or Friday between noon and 4 p.m.

The suspects are believed to be driving a white four-door Nissan, Dodge Stratus or Chevrolet Impala.

The woman is described as black with shoulder-length hair that is worn either straight or curly. Her male accomplice has a thin build and has short curly hair.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 385-5555.