Crime & Safety

Update: Women Scammers Ask to Pray with Victims, then Steal Cash, Credit Cards

Police have identified 2 women who may be responsible for similar thefts in Paulding, Douglas and Cobb counties.

Update: According to this WSB-TV report, police have named the suspects: Shayla Sutherland and as Jessica Pina.

————

Original post

Find out what's happening in Dallas-Hiramfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook a scam alert to holiday shoppers, warning them of scammers pretending to pray with victims in the store before robbing them.

“This is happening at stores all across the metro Atlanta area and has occurred at the Hiram Wal-Mart,” the post said.

Find out what's happening in Dallas-Hiramfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

“A female suspect usually strikes up a conversation with a female patron in the store. After a few minutes, the suspect then asks the patron to pray with them, once the patron bows their head, another female suspect comes in and steals that person’s cash and credit cards out of their purse.”

WSB-TV reported two women captured on surveillance video may be responsible for similar thefts in Paulding, Douglas and Cobb counties.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Dallas-Hiram