Posted Friday, June 25, 2010 --- 2:25 p.m.

Press Release from the Janesville Police Department:

Recently the Janesville Police Department has taken reports of scams involving individuals calling elderly females and claiming to be bank examiners/investigators.

In the first instance the suspect claimed to be a bank employee who was investigating a teller who was suspected of stealing funds from the victims account. The victim was then asked to withdraw $2400.00 and then meet with him at a retail parking lot. The victim obliged and was approached by the suspect on foot. The victim turned over the cash and was told to go home and wait for a phone call. When she got home the victim received a phone call from the same suspect and he instructed her to meet him at her bank on Friday and they would then meet with police. On Friday the victim went to the bank and was told she had been scammed. The suspect was described as a white male 30 to 40 years of age, 5’10 to 6’00 medium build.

The second report was received on June 24th 2010. This time the suspect called the victim and identified himself as a detective or investigator who was investigating personnel at the victim’s bank for stealing money. He told the victim he was going to mark the bills that she would later withdraw. She was then to meet with this “investigator” in a busy retail parking lot. He asked her what type of car she would be driving and what she was wearing. Once again, money was withdrawn, and the suspect approached the victim on foot. This time the suspect displayed a black portfolio and inside he had a badge and some other credentials. The victim turned over $3000.00 and the suspect left on foot. The suspect in this case was described as a white male 40-45 years of age with short, light brown hair. He was wearing brown pants and a yellow and brown shirt with stripes on the sleeves.

Anyone with information on this or any other crime is urged to contact Crimestoppers at 608-756-3636. You can also contact Detective Chris Buescher at the Janesville Police Department at 608-755-3100.

"Bank Examiner Scam"
Most often, the suspect makes telephone contact at home. After identifying themselves as the bank examiner or law enforcement officer who is investigating a dishonest employee at the victim's bank, they will then request the victim to make a cash withdrawal and to meet them at a predetermined location.

HOW TO AVOID:

• Do not discuss finances with strangers.
• Do not withdraw money on the advice of strangers.
• Immediately report to the bank's security department if anyone is calling and claiming to be a bank examiner.

Under no circumstances will bank officials, police or the FBI request you to withdraw funds.