Crime & Safety
Suspect Allegedly Dupes Bank Customers Out of Thousands
Customers of a Santa Monica branch Bank of America were tricked into depositing fake checks into their accounts in exchange for cash.
Police are asking for the public's help in identifying one of two suspects who has allegedly been tricking Santa Monica Bank of America customers into depositing fraudulent checks in exchange for the amount in cash.
The suspects—one described as a "female Black, 25-30 years old, with a medium to muscular build, long dark hair with blond highlights, dark eyes and a tattoo of a 'cherry or heart' on her right shoulder"—allegedly approached their victims as they exited the bank and offered them a small amount for helping, according to police. Police have described the second suspect as a "female Black."
Police on Thursday released an image taken from the bank's surveillance camera during one of the fraudulent transactions.
Detectives in September began investigating the crimes which occurred at the Santa Monica branch located at 1301 4th St. on four separate occasions.
Each of the victims lost on average $4,000 to $5,000.
Investigators request that anyone with information call Detective Robert D’Andrea at 310-458-2201 extension 6679, Sergeant Henry Ramirez at 310-458-8453 or the Santa Monica Police Department 24 hour-line at 310-458-8495.
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