Maryland, Oct 31, (V7N) - Authorities in Prince George's County, Maryland, have apprehended four suspects linked to a scam that defrauded an older woman out of nearly $40,000. The suspects—three from Alabama and one from Tennessee—were arrested on October 24, just as they approached another potential victim in a shopping center parking lot.
 
The investigation began on October 22, when a woman reported to police that she had fallen victim to a fraudulent scheme. According to officials, the group employed a "pigeon drop" tactic, which involves convincing the victim to provide cash as collateral with the promise of sharing found money.
 
The incident unfolded on October 21 when two suspects approached the victim outside a business in District Heights. They claimed to have discovered a bag full of cash and inquired if it belonged to her. The suspects then persuaded her to donate the money to charity, insisting that she withdraw funds from her bank account to exchange for the cash they claimed to have found, which they said needed to be untraceable.
 
Over the next two days, the woman withdrew almost $40,000 before realizing she had been scammed and subsequently contacted law enforcement.
 
The suspects have been identified as 77-year-old James Davis, 64-year-old Connie Williams, 59-year-old Mary Daniel from Birmingham, Alabama, and 36-year-old Kenneth Gooden from Antioch, Tennessee. They remain in custody, though details about their bond status and legal representation are not yet clear.
 
Police believe there may be other victims and are urging anyone who suspects they have been scammed to come forward. They remind the public to be cautious and to avoid giving money or personal information to strangers. If an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is.
 
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