Have You Seen These Two? OCSD Warn of Ongoing Auto and Check Fraud Scam

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — An ongoing automotive and check fraud scheme has been reported across Orange County. Be aware, if you are planning or have posted a car for sale, private party.

"Investigators from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) are warning the community of an ongoing scam and asking for the public’s assistance in locating two suspects," Public Affairs Manager Carrie Braun, Orange County Sheriff's Department said in recent release.

Clinton Charles Rose, 35, and Lauren Marie Conkey, 23, have been identified as suspects in a number of auto and identity theft cases.

"Rose and Conkey are suspected of contacting victims through various web sites to purchase vehicles from private party sellers," Braun said.

The pair works together by contacting the "seller" and then presenting fictitious checks and identification, and then take possession of the vehicle.

"They are suspected of then falsifying documents to resell the stolen vehicle to another victim," Braun said.

Rose is described as a male, 35, white, 6’0”, 165 lbs. with brown hair and brown eyes.

Conkey is female, 23, white, with brown hair and hazel eyes.

"When you are buying or selling any good or service private party, OCSD investigators warn you to be cautious of payment methods where the buyer can falsify documents during the transaction," Braun said. "If you believe you have been a victim of this or a similar type of scam, call OCSD at 714-647-7000 to file a report."

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Rose and Conkey, are asked to contact OCSD Investigator P. White at (949) 425-1876 or the Department Commander at (714) 628-7170.

Anonymous tips can be made to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS (1-855-847-6227) or online at www.occrimestoppers.org.

Photos, courtesy OCSD