Northeast Philadelphia man scammed out of $14,000

NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police released surveillance photos of the men who they say scammed a 67-year-old Northeast Philadelphia man out of $14,000.

Investigators say Friday morning, the thieves who had African accents approached their mark at a Wawa on Grant Avenue.

"Basically their story was, they felt it was unsafe for them to put their money in the U.S. banking system and they wanted him to show how easy it was," said Fred Harran, Bensalem Public Safety Director.

The victim's prize for helping - $20,000 - but first he would need to fork over $14,000 of his own cash.

"If something is too good to be true, it's too good to be true. Nobody makes $6,000 with a quick turnover with money like that," said Harran.

Police say the victim, a Russian American who speaks broken English, actually drove the con artists in his car to different banks to withdraw money.

First they went to the Citizens Bank on Cottman Avenue, then to the First Niagara branch on Bustleton Avenue.

However the thieves wanted more so they drove into Bensalem to Parx Casino where the victim got a sizeable cash advance on his credit card.

Investigators say the men made their way down the street to Dunkin Donuts, distracted the victim and left him broke in the parking lot, escaping in a white minivan.

"My guess is this is not their first day at the rodeo. I'm sure they've done this before. I'm sure there are other victims out there. What we don't want is a victim tomorrow," said Harran.

Bensalem police believe the suspects' African accents were fake and the cane that one of the men was using was a prop.

At the Wawa where it all started, customers had a lot to say about the scam.

"You really have to respect older people and I really think it's dishonorable," said Conrad Mason.

"What would I do? They better go find somebody else because I'm not the one. That's what I would tell them," said Camille Stewart.

Bensalem police say they were able to get fingerprints and DNA from the victim's car and they are hoping to get a hit.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect is urged to contact Bensalem Police at 215-633-3719 or anonymously at 215-633-3660 or email Tips@bensalem-township.org.