Orange County deputies warn residents about scam targeting elderly

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County deputies are warning residents about a scam targeting the elderly.

Deputies said there have been 10 incidents since March, and many of the crimes are happening to unsuspecting senior citizens, in the middle of the day.

Resident Zenobia Tyler is quite aware of scams and the importance of not letting strangers come close to her valuables.

“I said, 'No, I don't let anyone come in my house,’” Tyler said.

That’s what she told one man who she said was posing as someone from Orange County.

He asked to check out her hedges in her backyard.

She didn't let him inside, but did walk him out back.

“He said, ‘I want you to look at this. Orange County won't like the looks at this,’” said Tyler.

While that was happening, Orange County deputies said another person was inside her home looking for things to steal.

In the 20-minute interaction, most of her jewelry was swiped, deputies said.

“I just was dumbfounded. I couldn't believe it. How somebody could pull that kind of a trick on you,” she said.

Orange County deputies said there have been 10 similar of cases in the county since March, and most of them involved an elderly person.

Deputies said the scammers are usually wearing fake uniforms.

While Tyler has lost her jewelry, she has not lost her sense of perspective.

“Finding it and having my life is two different things. I'm still alive,” she said.

Deputies have not identified possible suspects.

Cox Media Group