Police: Man claiming to be missionary scams elderly woman out of $5,000

Absecon, NJ (WTXF) - Absecon Police say a man claiming to be a missionary scammed an elderly woman out of $5,000.

According to police, on Friday October 21 an elderly female was approached by a male in the Absecon Shoprite parking lot. The male was wearing religious items and claimed to be a missionary from Africa, in the United States to do charity work, police say.

Investigators say the male, described as black, clean shaven and in his forties with a foreign accent, told the victim that he was in possession of $35,000, which he was required to give away to charity. Police say the male showed the victim several stacks of large bills which appeared to be genuine. The male told the victim that if she were to provide him with $5,000 of her own money he would then give her the $35,000, of which she could donate to her church and keep some for herself, according to police.

Authorities say the victim provided the male with the $5,000 and was told that an additional $3,000 would be needed to satisfy the arrangement. Upon retrieving the remainder of the money and after exiting her bank, the male was gone with the original $5,000.

A second male was also involved and is described as black with a thin build in his forties. He was also wearing a suit during the incident. Police say events of this case occurred at various locations in the city of Absecon, including McDonald's, Shoprite, TD Bank and Bank Of America.

One of the accused males was captured on video surveillance at the Absecon Shoprite. The incident was reported to police on October 25.

Anyone who can identify the accused, or may have more information, is asked to contact the Absecon Police Department at 609-641-0667. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 609-651-1234.