Women Targeted In 'Pigeon Drop' Scam, Suspect Arrested: Prince George's Police

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — A 59-year-old Temple Hills man has been arrested in connection to two "pigeon drop" scams that targeted older women.

A pigeon drop scam involves convincing a victim to give the suspect a large amount of cash as collateral with the hope of then sharing a larger sum of money. There have been eight pigeon drop scams reported in Prince George's County since the beginning of 2023, police noted.

Keith Twiggs has been charged in connection to two of these scams. The most recent case happened June 26 in the 9000 block of Annapolis Road. The second case took place on May 6 in the 6000 block of Oxon Hill Road. In both cases, the victims are female and senior citizens, according to police.

At the time of his arrest, Twiggs was in possession of approximately $21,000 in counterfeit cash and a wallet containing the type of note often used in pigeon drop scams. Following his arrest, detectives conducted a search warrant at Twiggs’ home in Temple Hills. Additional items of evidence commonly used in these scams were recovered that included fake letters and additional counterfeit money.

"Pigeon drop scammers often carry notes or fake letters from non-existent law firms confirming the receipt of a large amount of money from either a settlement or inheritance. In other cases, the scammers approach the victim in a business parking lot and ask the victim whether they’ve just dropped a wallet or purse containing a large amount of cash. The victim eventually agrees to share the cash with the suspect but must first put up their own money as collateral. In virtually all reported pigeon drop scams, the victims are females over the age of 60. Victims have lost between $10,000 to $60,000 each," the Prince George's County Police Department stated.

Investigators would like to speak to anyone who has had similar contact with Twiggs or was the victim of a pigeon drop scam here in the county. Anyone with information about this case who would like to speak to a financial crimes unit detective should call 301-516-1464.