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A fake plumber is running scam in Seattle
A fake plumber is running scam in Seattle
SEATTLE -- Seattle police are warning residents of a new scam where a man is posing as a plumber to steal from residents.
One of the victims is Ginny Anderson, who said she let the man in her home because she feared he might hurt her.
“I knew right from the start this was a scam but I was frightened, but I didn’t know which way to go,” said Anderson. “I had a cell phone in my pocket, but I was afraid to use it.”
Police report five cases between January 22nd and April 8th when the suspect has approached women, age 76 to 91, and claimed to be a plumber. He then cons his way into their homes and steals cash, credit cards and IDs.
Fox Plumbing has tips on how to make sure you are not dealing with an impostor. They say all of their workers are issued yellow vans with the tech's name on both doors. All technicians wear yellow Fox Plumbing uniforms, and they would never arrive without a homeowner requesting it. They give a courtesy call and e-mail with a photo of the tech before arriving at a customer's home.
Detectives are working to identify the suspect who is described as a white man between 50-60 years old, 6' 0", and heavyset.
Investigators would like to hear from anyone else who may be a victim of this scam.
If you have any information, call detectives at 206-386-1858.