The West Los Angeles Division of the Los Angeles Police Department is warning the public to be wary of a costly scam that’s taking place on the Westside.
Senior Lead Officer Maria Gray said the scam has been quite rampant and victims all over the U.S. have fallen prey, particularly in the immigrant and elderly community.
“There are people out there impersonating IRS agents,” Gray said. “They claim that the intended victim owes back taxes. They are then threatened that if they don’t pay them via a pre-loaded debit card the ‘agent’ will send an officer or sheriff to arrest them within an hour.”
Gray said another similar example was someone impersonating an officer claiming that the red light ticket they unknowingly received had gone to warrant and that they need to buy a money card (often referred to as a ‘green dot’ card) to satisfy the warrant after which they are to provide him with the verification number.
She said another example is someone claiming that they are being fined for failing to report to jury duty.
“None of these scenarios will ever legitimately happen,” Gray said.
West Los Angeles Crime Briefing – Feb. 25 to March 5
Robbery
— 11600 San Vicente Blvd (Gas Station)
On Feb. 27 at 1:35 am, a suspect armed with a Blue Steel handgun and wearing a ski-mask approached the gas station attendant and pointed a handgun at him through the glass and demanded that he open the door. The attendant did not comply and went to the rear of the gas station. The suspect fled on foot. Suspect described as a male, white, 6’1″, 165 lbs, blue ski mask, no further description.
Burglary
— 500 Moreno Avenue (Construction site)
Between Feb. 19 at 1:10 pm and Feb. 20 at 6:40 am, unknown suspect(s) pried open the side garage door, torched open the tool shed and took the victim’s IMAC desktop computer and his construction tools. Unknown suspect(s) fled the location.
— 3000 Elvideo (Construction site)
Between Feb. 23 at 1 pm and Feb. 24 at 7:30 am, unknown suspect(s) entered residence via unlocked garage door and removed two televisions.
— 11900 Kearsarge
On Feb. 24 at 8:30 pm, suspect entered residence and fled when confronted by occupant. No property loss. Suspect described as male, white, 5’5″, 110 lbs, 40/45 years old, gray/brown ski cap, gray/brown shirt, soiled.
— 300 S Anita
On Feb. 27 between 8 am and 8:45 pm, unknown suspect(s) pried resident’s rear double door and removed cash and jewelry.
— 11900 San Vicente (commercial/café)
On Feb. 27 between 6 pm and 11:30 pm, unknown suspect(s) forced business front door and removed $50 cash drawer.
— 11900 San Vicente
On March 3 at 3:30 am, unknown suspect(s) used electric saw to cut front door lock. They removed portable safe and CCTV DVR. Suspect described as male, white, blond hair, 6’01”, 185 lbs, dark sweatshirt.
Grand Theft Auto
— 1000 Kenfield
On Feb. 25 between 11 pm and 8 am, while parked on the street, a 1989 Porsche 911 was stolen.
Burglary and/or Theft from Motor Vehicle
— 11900 Wilshire Boulevard
On March 5 between 11:30 pm and 1:50 pm, while parked in a parking structure, license plate stolen off a Mercedes Benz.
Grand Theft & Petty Theft
— 11600 Montana Ave (residence)
Between Feb. 23 and Feb. 26, unknown suspect(s) removed that victim’s property from an apartment garage. Bike valued at $800.
— 100 S. Granville Avenue (residence)
Between Nov. 30, 2013 and Jan. 24 at 4 pm, victim reported that she discovered property missing from her bedroom-closet/drawer. Victim stated no one had permission to take items and had no suspect information. Jewelry/Ivory figurines valued at $82,500.
— 800 S. Gretna Green Way (residence)
Between Dec. 20 and Feb. 21, unknown suspect(s) (possibly contractor) removed the victim’s property from her residence. Victim reported no evidence of forced entry. Clothing stolen valued at $11,310.
— 1200 Getty Center Drive (commercial)
On March 2, unknown suspect took the victim’s phone from her purse and fled in an unknown direction. Phone valued at $839.
— 1100 Amherst Avenue (residence)
On March 4, unknown suspect(s) entered apartment building garage area and stole victims bicycle. Bike valued at $990.
— 600 S. Barrington Avenue
On March 4, victim stated that he left his money on the bathroom sink. Twenty minutes passed and the victim returned to get his money and found it missing. Family members deny taking suspect’s money. U.S. Currency $1,800
