Silver Coin Scam Nov 9, 2011
SILVER COIN SCAM
Bryant, AR
Thursday, November 9, 2011
Suspect: Black male presenting fake Pennsylvania driver’s license and using the name “John L. Franklin.” 5’9” tall, 175 lbs., 55-60 YOA, wearing blue jeans and a hat. Gold tooth on left side of teeth, no other jewelry noted.
The suspect stated that the “silver” coins he wished to sell to the jeweler were his grandfather’s The collection was in a typical coin collector’s book which held several pages of coins, each one sealed in plastic. The suspect spent time with the jeweler looking up various coins in the collection to prove numismatic values.
After purchasing the coins for what seemed to be a very good price, the jeweler learned that they were all non-silver imitations.
PREVENTION.
“Presentation is everything.” The “con” in “con artist” is short for confidence.
This thief went to the effort of creating a realistic-look presentation and then took time with the jeweler to convince her of the coins’ “authenticity.”
In this case, the coins were all in plastic, as collector coins often are, and while that prevented the jeweler for testing or examining them more closely, it also enhanced the impression that they were real. Be suspicious of unknown persons who claim to come from great distances to buy from you or sell you something that is difficult to authenticate.
This thief likely has created many false coin collections and may use the same false identity and pretense with another jeweler. If he does, call local law enforcement.
-- Bob
Suspected Casing Aug 8, 2011
Suspected Casing
Little Rock, AR
Monday, August 8, 2011
Suspect: Black male, light skin, 6’2” 175#, late 20s to early 30s, multiple tattoos on arms, neck, shoulders; wearing white muscle shirt, baggy jeans shorts, tennis shoes.
The suspect entered the store shortly before noon and said that he had found the jeweler on-line and also that he was new in town and “looking for some jewelry to buy.” Appearance, comments, and actions led the jeweler to believe that the individual had other motives for being in the store. The suspect eventually left, indicating that we would be back later.
Vehicle: Older model Buick, teal green; temporary (paper) Louisiana tag.
PREVENTION.
Jewelers in the Little Rock area are advised to be on immediate “high alert” – activating buzzer doors and being certain that video surveillance systems are operational.
Always be alert to possible casing events and have a plan in place for suspicious situations. CrimeFax recommends passing a code word or phrase to alert all personnel in the store, at which time preplanned positions are taken, with one person leaving the store carrying a cell phone and note pad in order to observe safely from outside. While most customers would not be aware of such activity, criminals about to commit a robbery would realize that it is no longer possible to have complete control of the store.
Immediately after the event, write down everything that can be remembered about the suspect(s), especially such distinctive things as tattoos, jewelry worn, sunglasses style, etc. Save or date-mark any video surveillance
~ Bob
