Hudson Valley Residents Warned of Scary ‘Parking Lot Scam’

Police are alerting area residents to a scam that is being pulled in busy parking lots around the Hudson Valley.

Mid Hudson News describes the scammer as a large, bald-headded, black man. According to police, the man has been approaching shoppers in various parking lots in Ulster County as they return to their cars.

The alleged scammer will ask victims to assist with jump-starting his car. Once the victim agrees to help out, the man will then ask for a ride to his vehicle. The scammer will the proceed to direct the driver to stop at various spots around the lot. As the wild-goose chase continues, the victim is requested several times to hand over money for different reasons.

Police say that victims are not threatened with any harm, but usually become scared once they realize that the man is scamming them.  Most feel compelled to hand over the requested money in hopes of getting the scammer to exit the vehicle.

Police suggest that if you are approached you should not let the man into your vehicle or assist him in any way. Instead, you're asked to immediately call the Ulster Police at 845-382-1111.