SCAM ALERT: Suspicious Tzedakah Collector Raises Concern Around New Square

By Y.M. Lowy

Local residents are being warned about a man attempting to scam people out of money in Skver and other surrounding areas. The man approaches people with tears in his eyes, begging for money. He says his landlord will evict him because he has no money to pay rent. Afterwards, he asks the victim to get into his car, either to be shown where they live or to be driven to the bank.

The scam has occurred multiple times over the past few days. On Sunday, he approached a bachur, but the bachur’s mother recognized it as a scam when her son came in to get money. By the time Ershte Hilf was called, the man had already driven away. On Monday, he was seen in Skver again, attempting the same trick in front of the kollel. A kollel yungerman entered his car, but after driving a short distance he grew suspicious and quickly jumped out of the vehicle.

It was later discovered that his car was a rental, making it harder to track. The perp often arrives in a different vehicle each time, which makes him even more difficult to follow, so the need for vigilance is very high. Residents are urged not to accept rides or get into any car with strangers, and not to give this person money. If anyone experiences a suspicious approach or sighting, report it immediately to Ershte Hilf and the police.