Crime & Safety

'Good' Samaritan Rips Off Truck Driver

Police suspect this scam has been used to victimize others

San Leandro Police are warning residents about a scam used to victimize a truck driver on Tuesday morning.

According to police, around 11:45 a.m. a man told the driver of a semi-truck that his truck was emitting smoke.

Police say the truck driver pulled over on Farallon Drive, east of Doolittle Drive and while he was inspecting the truck, the suspect was able to gain access to the truck's cab, swiping the driver's cellular phone.

The suspect fled the area. Police believe others may have been victimized in the same manner.

In a statement issued by police, Lt. Randall Brandt stated, "Citizens always need to be suspicious of people who try to engage them in conversations for no apparent reason. Suspects are getting very creative and they are using various scams to target vulnerable victims. Citizens should not hesitate to call and report similar activity to our dispatch center."

The suspect is described as a Hispanic man between the ages of 25 to 30 years old. He is about 5-foot-10-inches tall. The suspect drove a small, grey compact-style car, according to police officials.


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