(Sept. 10, 2006) -- A pair of alleged con artists -- mother and son -- are in jail, caught by LB police after their "mark" became suspicious...and LBPD ran an undercover "sting" operation.

In a written release, LBPD says Marcello Adams, 20, of North Hollywood and his mother, Lisa Ruby Adams, 37, allegedly befriended an elderly man in a parking lot on Sept. 1 by offering to fix a dent on his car. The man reportedly agreed and the suspects developed a friendly relationship with him...and then allegedly told the man their "sick daughter" was in a local hospital.

Police say over the next few days, the man felt compelled to help them with a $1,500 gift but became suspicious when the pair allegedly asked him to wire the money to an unknown person in a different city.

According to police, the elderly man went to the hospital...and found no record of the supposedly sick daughter.

The would-be victim called the East Division sub-station and LBPD launched a "sting" operation...which police say led to capturing the suspects in the act.

Police arrested the two Adams' on September 6th, charged both with grand theft and elder abuse and charged Lisa Adams with presenting false ID to officers. She's also allegedly wanted in Florida and by the LAPD for similar crimes against elderly victims. LBPD says the suspects may be associated with a larger group of con artists who travel around the country.

LB police are still investigating the incident and would like to hear from anyone with information on this crime, a similar crime or the suspects. Call Forgery Fraud Detective Greg McMullen at (562) 570-7330.