Medical bill scam cheats woman out of $10,000 in Montclair

A woman was scammed out of $10,000 by two people in Montclair, including one who pretended to need the cash to pay for his wife’s medical bills, the Montclair Police Department said.

The scheme was pulled off Tuesday, March 12, at the Montclair Place shopping mall.

About 1:15 p.m., the victim was approached by a man approximately 65 years old who said he needed $10,000 for the bills, a news release said. As they talked, a second suspect approached and offered to help the first suspect. The man, about 40 years old, said he had a check for $20,000 but could not cash it because he lacked identification.

The 40-year-old persuaded the victim to give the older man the $10,000 by saying he would meet the victim the next day and give her $10,000 after cashing the check.

“The victim felt the transaction was suspicious but allowed the elderly male to keep the money,” the release said.

The victim never got her $10,000 back.

The 65-year-old was described as Hispanic, 5-foot-8 and 160 pounds with grey hair, wearing a tan shirt, blue jeans and a black cap. The 40-year-old was described as Hispanic, 6 feet and 190 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes, wearing a blue dress shirt and tan pants.

Police ask anyone with information on the crime to call Montclair police at 909-621-4771. Anonymous tips may be left on the We Tip hotline at 800-782-7463.

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