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Police Search for Alleged “Fix Your Car” Scammer

Arcadia Police are looking for a man who they say scammed a 90 year old man out of cash for “fixing his car” on the spot in front of Ralph’s Market on West Huntington Drive near Sunset Boulevard between 1 and 3pm Thursday, August 13th.

fixyourcarscammersuspectThe victim had just walked out of the Ralph’s and was getting into his car when the suspect jumped into the passenger

seat, told the victim he worked for a car manufacturer, and that he noticed a problem with the car door that he could fix for a cash payment.    Investigators say the suspect then reached under the dash and pulled out a “black chip” which he replaced, claiming he fixed the car.  Police say the victim drove to a nearby bank with the suspect, withdrew the money, and paid the suspect. The 90 year-old victim then dropped the suspect off in the Ralph’s parking lot.

Police describe the suspect as a male, unknown race, about 50 years old, 5′-07″, medium build, and spoke with a foreign, possibly middle eastern, accent.  Authorities warn that this form of “fix your car” or repair scam has been around for a while, and that people should tell elderly folks and relatives that this kind of scam can be dangerous to keep it from happening to others.

Investigators ask

anyone with information about this incident to call the Arcadia Police Department at 626-574-5150. You

can also submit crime tips and information via text, phone, or web to LA Regional Crime Stoppers, 800-222-TIPS (8477). Refer case #15-3972.