Two Arrested in Donation Scam Aimed at Elderly

Westminster police are warning the public in the wake of several scams in which elderly people have been duped into handing over money.

In the most recent case, a 74-year-old man came close to giving suspects $20,000, thinking he was helping them donate to a church. A bank teller became suspicious and called police when the man tried to withdraw the money.

Westminster police arrested Bopha Eng Touch, 22, and Hung Phi Nguyen, 26, both of Los Angeles. They are being held at Orange County Jail on suspicion of conspiracy, attempted grand theft and attempted theft from an elder.

Westminster Police Sgt. Tom Pixler said the scam typically involves a woman -- who says she wants to donate her money to a religious organization because she is leaving the country -- and an accomplice.

The woman tells victims they can have a portion of the “donation.” But the woman tells the victims they must produce a certain amount of cash to prove they can be trusted to make the donation. The woman and her accomplice then switch the victim’s money with a bag of shredded newspapers.

Pixler said that in such cases, victims might not report the scam.

“When elderly people are victims of crimes, they’re ashamed and don’t report it,” Pixler said. “We’re hoping that other victims will come forward.”

At least two people have lost money this year, Pixler said.