Couple scams Valley man of $16,000

A couple scammed $16,000 on Tuesday from a 71-year-old Spokane Valley man who withdrew the money from his savings account.

The two people told him he would get his money back plus several thousand more if he showed them the cash, Spokane Valley police Sgt. Dave Martin said.

The man and woman took the money and fled in a dark-colored minivan.

The man was first approached in a parking lot when the woman asked directions, Martin said. When he said he couldn’t help, she asked him to take her to where she saw another man.

The other man got in the car, Martin said, and the woman showed the two men a letter that said she was entitled to $150,000 because a relative died in the Sept. 11 attacks.

She said she doesn’t trust American banks, but if someone would help her, she would donate the money to charity, Martin said.

Going to the bank and withdrawing money was what she indicated would make her trust the bank.

After the 71-year-old withdrew the $16,000, they told him to drive to the Target parking lot near Sullivan Road and Sprague Avenue, Martin said. Then the suspects fled with the money.

People from as far away as Kansas have reported being victimized by a similarly described couple, Martin said.

The man was described as black, in his 40s, about 5-foot-7 and 170 pounds, Martin said.

The woman was described as black, in her 30s, about 5-foot-3 and thin with straight, shoulder-length black hair tinted red.

Both had strong African accents and were well-dressed.

Anyone with information should call authorities at (509) 477-3320.