Scam artists hit
Far Northeast residents again

Traveling scam artists are again targeting senior citizens in the Far Northeast by posing as uniformed city employees to burglarize victims’ homes.
A 93-year-old woman from Bustleton was the latest victim last week, according to Capt. Joe Zaffino, commander of the 7th Police District.
The senior citizen reported to investigators that a woman showed up at her home, near Bustleton Avenue and Lott Street, identified herself as an employee of the city’s Department of Licenses and Inspection and said she had to survey the victim’s property line.
As the suspect and woman went to the backyard, an unseen accomplice sneaked into the unattended front of the home, stole $360 cash and fled.
The victim described the fake city worker as a white woman, 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing about 130 pounds. She had brown hair, glasses and a gray raincoat.
No injuries were reported.
The incident was similar to one that occurred on Nov. 5 near Rising Sun and Bloomfield avenues.
Two men used the same ruse to distract an 88-year-old woman outside while an accomplice raided the house.
In that case, the victim’s husband arrived home during the crime and saw a man fleeing through the front door.
Also within the last few weeks, similar crimes have been reported in Bucks County.
It can take less than a minute for a burglar to sneak into a home, steal valuables and flee undetected, so police advise residents, particularly the elderly, to lock their doors and be wary of strangers.
If individuals come to the door identifying themselves as city workers, keep the door locked. If you suspect foul play, call 911. ••