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Diamond Scam Artists Targeting Hispanic Women, Police Say

Posted: 6:12 pm PDT October 28, 2008Updated: 8:35 am PDT October 29, 2008

A Lacey woman lost a large amount of money after she became a victim of a diamond scam artist, said Lacey police.

The victim, who wants to be called Maria, spoke to KIRO 7 through an interpreter.

Maria said she started talking to a couple in a Lacey parking lot after the man first asked her for directions. The conversation continued and eventually the couple said they have diamonds worth $14,000, but are desperate to sell them and will part with them for $10,000, police said.

Surveillance video showed a scam artist at a Lacey bank after she convinced a woman to give her $10,000 for several diamonds.

The diamonds turned out to be cheap glass and the victim's money is gone.

"She's embarrassed because she can't believe what happened to her and mad," the interpreter translated.

Lacey police said the scammers are targeting Hispanic women in parking lots and Washington is not the only place the scam has been reported. "We've learned there are similar incidents as far south as Medford, Ore. as well as Grants Pass Ore.,” said Det. Jeremy Knight of the Lacey Police Department.

“They just come across as really good people and you believe in them."

State officials said it’s disturbing that con artists are targeting the Hispanic community.

“A lot of them may be new and they don't know their rights, they don't know the rules and regulations they are always willing to help,” said Alicia Luna of the Washington Commission on Hispanic Affairs.

Police said they hope the surveillance video will help catch the scammers who have already cost victims a lot of hard earned cash.

In the most recent case the scammers were seen taking off in a green SUV.

Anybody with information should call the Lacey Police department.

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