(Dec. 18, 2008) -- LBPD warns residents, especially seniors, about a scam involving traffic collisions that has resulted in the loss of cash and credit cards for unsuspecting victims.

In a release, LBPD says that in five reported East Division (east of Cherry Ave.) incidents, a suspect "bumps" or pretends to bump his vehicle into an elderly driver's vehicle, gets them to pull over...and when they exchange information "the suspect offers to assist the victim by taking their wallet to locate their information for them. The suspect then, without the victim knowing, removes cash and/or credit cards."

LBPD describes the suspect as a male African-American, 40-50 years-old, about 6 feet and 180-200 pounds, driving a white 4-door sedan. "In some instances, the suspect has been accompanied by one or two female African-Americans," the release says.

All five reported incidents have occurred during daytime hours...and there have also been similar reported incidents in several nearby cities.

LBPD cautions residents only to provide their driver's license and insurance card information, and NEVER their entire wallet. "If you become suspicious of the other driver or believe you are being scammed, you should call for police right away so that an officer can respond to the scene and assist. If in Long Beach you should call the Long Beach Police Communications Center at (562) 435-6711, which should be programmed in all resident's cell phones," LBPD says.

And since the investigations are ongoing, anyone who may any information related to these incidents should contact Forgery/Fraud Detective Jesse Macias at (562) 570-7330.