The imposter always rings twice
CITYWIDE — A man pretending to be affiliated with the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Monica tried to scam money from at least eight people last week by going door-to-door asking for donations to help the organization buy books for kids, representatives from the non-profit said Monday.
The alleged scam artist has targeted the eastern part of Santa Monica, soliciting homeowners on Cloverfield Boulevard, Yale Street and Wilshire Boulevard, as well as 25th Street and Broadway, said Megan Wadley, director of development at the Boys & Girls Club.
“When people have refused to give him money, he calls people racist and has been really rude,”
Wadley said.
The suspect has been described as black in his late 30s or early 40s, clean shaven, standing just under six feet tall. Victims of the scam said the man spoke with a southern accent and used the name John Nielsen.
Wadley said a report has been filed with the Santa Monica Police Department and that a detective has been assigned to the case.
So far, five people have reportedly donated money to the man. It is unclear how much was given, Wadley said, because some victims have preferred to remain anonymous.
“We know that he visited at least four homes in a row last week, but those are only those who have reported it. There’s no telling yet how many homes he could have visited,” Wadley said. “One thing is for sure, we do not go door-to-door asking for donations.”
Sarah Ruhl was one homeowner who said she was approached by the Boys & Girls Club impostor, but didn’t give him money because he looked suspicious.
“He really didn’t have any documentation and his receipts were all hand-written. They looked fake,” Ruhl said.
The man knocked on her door about 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, she said, and asked her if she could help secure a Ranger Rick Magazine subscription for kids. He didn’t ask for a specific amount, only asking her “whatever you can spare,” Ruhl said.
The magazine, published monthly by the National Wildlife Federation, provides information and articles on zoology, conservation and surviving in the outdoors.
“I was really torn because I love the Boys & Girls Club,” Ruhl said.“But … I wasn’t totally convinced this guy was on the level.”
Ruhl said when the man wouldn’t accept a check,she definitely knew something was up.Later that night,she made a donation on-line and then called the next day to confirm Boys & Girls Club had received it. That’s when she learned of the scam.
“I learned to just go with my intuition and if I want to make a donation, there are much safer ways to do so,” she said.
The SMPD does not recommend giving cash donations to solicitors, instead, encouraging people to donate over the Internet or by calling the organization directly.
“Never give to door-to-door solicitors, you never know where the money is going,” said SMPD Lt. Frank Fabrega.
AARP warns to never give money to a solicitor. Oftentimes, those going door-to-door will try to play on a person’s sympathy or try to pressure someone into buying something or donating money. But just because the person making the pitch knows the homeowner’s first name, does-n’t mean they can be trusted.
Those who feel they have been victims of a scam should call the SMPD at (310) 458-8451.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 6, 2006. Read the original PDF.