Police Warn of Parking Lot Elderly Fraud

Beware of man offering to repair vehicle after the he disables it with an unknown device

The Zephyrhills Police Department has responded to several elder fraud complaints in the parking lots of Publix, Save-A-Lot and the Florida Medical Clinic.

Elderly citizens have reported being approached by a white male offering to repair their vehicle after the subject disables the vehicle with an unknown device. The subject appears to diagnose the mechanical issue and claims he can fix the vehicle at a reasonable rate while asking for a large sum of money to repair it.

Witnesses described the man as being between 50 and 70 years of age with salt and pepper colored hair, height range between five-feet-9 and six foot with a New York/New Jersey accent.

He has worn a hooded jacket, a black or American flag mask, and routinely wears a hat or hoodie covering his head. Witness said he was driving a black Chevy Malibu, a silver pickup truck and a silver Kia Sorrento. An unknown female was accompanied him while committing the fraud.

ZPD is asking elderly residents to be vigilant in parking lots while visiting local businesses. The subject has been very polite and convincing while carrying out the fraudulent scheme.

People are asked to contact the Zephyrhills Police Department at (813 780-0050 Opt. #1 with any information relevant to the investigation.

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