By Jonathan L'Ecuyer
ROCKPORT — Police are warning residents about a brazen scam artist whom they say impersonated a local police officer in an attempt to bilk an elderly Rockport woman out nearly $1,000.
According to Patrolman Roger Lesch, a Poole's Lane woman reported that a man identifying himself as James Carter called her home several times over the last three weeks attempting to convince her she had won $2 million in a clearinghouse sweepstakes and that an armored truck, limousine, lawyer and FBI agent would be visiting her home soon to deliver the winnings.
All she had to do, Carter told her, was send a check for $750 in advance to a Wilma Skittano, 16 Grazer Acres, St. Louis, Mo. There is no such person or address listed in St. Louis, police said.
Fearful that the cavalcade would arrive on her doorstep, the woman notified police on Tuesday.
Lesch called the number provided by the woman — 916-222-2990, which traced back to several various states, but ultimately originated in Nigeria, police said.
Lesch left a message, and "Carter" called back and left a message for Lesch wondering why the police had contacted him.
Lesch next contacted the U.S. Secret Service and spoke with Special Agent Craig Harbeck, who told him that this alleged group of scammers are extremely bold, and not fearful of returning calls from local police or even the Secret Service; given that the calls are coming from overseas, the callers know there are likely no consequences for their actions, the Secret Service indicated.
Not only did Carter return Lesch's call, he also called the woman back and told her Lesch had given her the OK to write the check.
At that point, Lesch said, the 91-year-old woman actually considered writing the check.
A short time later, however, Carter called the woman again, this time he identified himself as Rockport Patrolman William Budrow.
The woman knows Budrow and recognized the voice on the other line was not his, Lesch said. The woman then told the caller she knew it wasn't the real officer, at which point the caller hung up.
Harbeck said scam artists out of Nigeria regularly bounce calls all over the world. According to the Secret Service web site, the perpetrators of Advance Fee Fraud (AFF) — known internationally as "4-1-9" fraud after the section of the Nigerian penal code which addresses fraud schemes — are often very creative and innovative.
Indications are that AFF grosses hundreds of millions of dollars annually and the losses are continuing to escalate.
In all likelihood, there are victims who do not report their losses to authorities due to either fear or embarrassment, according to the Secret Service.
In response to the growing epidemic, the Secret Service established "Operation 4-1-9" designed to target Nigerian AFF on an international basis. The Financial Crimes Division of the Secret Service reports it receives about 100 telephone calls from victims/potential victims per day, along with 300-500 pieces of related correspondence.
Lesch urges anyone who receives a call from this number or any call they suspect may be a scam to contact police at 978-546-1212.
If you have been victimized by one of these schemes, the government asks that you forward appropriate written documentation to the United States Secret Service, Financial Crimes Division, 950 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20223, or telephone 202-406-5850, or contact by e-mail.
Jonathan L'Ecuyer can be reached at 978-283-7000 x 3451 or jlecuyer@gloucestertimes.com.
