Elderly warned of scams in area

State police at Frackville are warning elderly residents of the Schuylkill County area of scams being operated in the area.

Troopers said on Friday, June 18, about 12:25 p.m. two Hispanic males went to a residence along Water St., in Mahanoy Plane, Gilberton, to the home of Julie C. Dougherty, 78. The first male was well dressed and told the victim he worked for the county and was there to cut her neighbor's trees. He asked to look at her backyard while discussing tree limbs from the adjoining property.

While speaking with the victim in her backyard, he would interrupt the conversation to speak on a cellular phone in Spanish. While the first suspect and the victim were speaking in the backyard the second suspect entered the home went to the upstairs area and removed various items.

The first suspect, after again speaking on the phone, told the victim he was leaving. He got into a clean looking sports utility vehicle, sivler ro gray in color, with a noticable chrome front grill. The vehicle also had sidesteps.

The vehicle had the rear hatchback door open the entire time it was parked in front of the victim's home.

Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to call troopers at (570) 874-5300. Elderly residents are reminded to keep doors locked and be aware of their surroundings.