SCAM ARTIST TARGETS ELDERLY IN NORTHEAST VALLEY.

Byline: Dominic Berbeo Staff Writer

PANORAMA CITY - A con artist is knocking on the doors of elderly residents in the Northeast Valley asking for money, police warn.

Described as a Latino male, the suspect goes from door to door telling residents he is a neighbor, then asks for different amounts of cash to help pay for his son or daughter's ambulance fees or medical expense.

The man has victimized at least a dozen residents in the Panorama City and North Hills neighborhoods over the past three months, said Detective Diane Flores of the Los Angeles Police Department.

``He's very insistent,'' Flores said. ``Some of the victims have suspected it's a scam, but unfortunately, once the door is open, they feel they have to scrape up the money instead of refusing him.''

In one case, she said, a victim who didn't have any cash on hand even got into a van with the con artist to withdraw cash from an automated teller machine.

Fernando Torres-Gil, co-chairman of the city of Los Angeles' Expert Advisory Task Force on Senior Issues, advised seniors to practice extra caution with strangers.

``You should trust no one that solicits money by phone or at your door,'' he said. ``It's sad to have to be so careful because it goes against the grain of neighborliness. But caution is best because there are far too many scams that target the elderly.''

Susan Aziz, vice president of WISE Senior Services in Los Angeles, said her organization has seen similar scams in the past.

``We've had situations where criminals act as salesmen, repairmen or come asking for donations,'' she said. ``You have to draw the line between being friendly and making yourself vulnerable.''

Flores urged anyone with more information on the suspect to call their local police station.

Seniors who want more information on scams and home safety are invited to attend a free public fair by WISE planned for July 10 in Woodland Hills. For information, call [phone].