Renton police warn of real estate scam targeting the elderly

RENTON, Wash. — Officers with the Renton Police Department are searching for two women in a recent real estate scam that targeted an 83-year-old woman.

Police said that, around 12:30 p.m. on April 24, two women knocked on the door of the 83-year-old woman’s home and said they had heard the house was for sale.

The two women said they were interested in buying the house, police said.

Officials said that, when the 83-year-old explained the house was not for sale, the women asked to use the bathroom.

The 83-year-old then let them inside her house, police said.

“One of the suspects stole her wallet, and then promptly used the victim's credit cards to purchase merchandise at a local Fred Meyer,” an official with the Renton Police Department wrote in a news release.

Renton police released photos of one woman believed to be involved -- see below -- and are asking for anyone who can identify her to come forward.

In addition, officers are reminding people to not let people into their home under any circumstances.

“They could be trying this scenario, or some other made-up excuse, to find their way into your homes,” police said.

Anyone with information on the women, or who is the victim of a similar scenario, is asked to contact Detective Coleman at mcoleman@rentonwa.gov and reference case number 19-4553.

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