Fake Plumber Scam in Brooklyn
Introduction to the Incident
A man pretended to be a plumber in order to gain access to a 71-year-old woman’s home in Brooklyn, then stole more than $1,000 in cash and jewelry, according to police.
Details of the Crime
The victim was entering her home near 84th Street and Fourth Avenue in Bay Ridge just before 1 p.m. on the Fourth of July, when a man came up and offered to help her with her walker, police said.
The woman went inside, and shortly after, the same man knocked on her door, telling her he was there to fix her water leak. She let him inside, and he told her to turn the water faucet on and off multiple times while he stayed in the hallway.
The Theft
That’s when he was able to take $230 from the woman’s purse, then moved on to her bedroom, where he took jewelry worth about $900, according to police. The suspect then simply walked out. He was last seen walking south down Fourth Avenue.
Aftermath
The victim was not hurt, but too scared to speak on camera about the incident.
Call to Action
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of being cautious when allowing strangers into one’s home, even if they claim to be there for a legitimate purpose. It is essential for individuals, especially the elderly, to be aware of such scams and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.
FAQs
What happened in the incident?
A man posing as a plumber stole over $1,000 in cash and jewelry from a 71-year-old woman’s home in Brooklyn.
How did the suspect gain access to the home?
The suspect offered to help the victim with her walker and later claimed to be there to fix a water leak, gaining the victim’s trust and entry into the home.
What can people do to protect themselves from similar scams?
People can protect themselves by being cautious when allowing strangers into their homes, verifying the identity and legitimacy of service providers, and keeping valuables secure.
How can someone report information about the incident?
Anyone with information can call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline or submit tips through the Crime Stoppers website.
