House sale scam returns to Yuma

A Yuma couple who are selling their house themselves at 2346 W. 13th Lane were apparently recent victims of an old scam.

Thomas Gore told The Sun that his wife, Belinda, was at home alone waiting for a couple who was supposed to arrive at 6:30 p.m. last Monday, when another couple showed up at 6 p.m. with a letter of pre-approval and several flyers from other homes for sale.

He said that as the couple toured the house taking notes, the Gores' dog was playing with the couple's young daughter. Once they were in the master bedroom, the girl began to cry and ran downstairs with the dog following.

Thomas Gore said his wife followed the dog and left the couple alone in the room for about two minutes. When she returned, the couple was leaving the room, and Belinda Gore said she saw the woman rummaging in her purse.

The couple then left the home, saying they had another appointment to attend. Thomas Gore said that about an hour later, his wife was dressing down and removing her jewelry, when she allegedly saw her wedding band, diamond bracelet and family heirloom jewelry missing from her jewelry box.

"As soon as the distraction happened, in a matter of 60 to 120 seconds, they knew what to do and had to leave the house," Thomas Gore said.

He said the theft was reported to the Yuma Police Department within an hour of the couple leaving the Gores' house. The Sun was unable to view a copy of the report by press time.

"That's been a scam of sorts that's been going on for years," said Yuma County Sheriff's Office Maj. Leon Wilmot. "Typically, people are still residing at that house or residence, so (thieves) think it's an easy target."

Wilmot said the common ploy is one adult keeps the owner busy while the other adult steals items from the home.

He said the scam must be reappearing, although YCSO has not received any recent reports of it.

Wilmot cautions Yumans to "never let anybody inside your house unless you know them and can watch what they are doing."

If you are a victim of this scam, Wilmot said to report it to police immediately and try to give them a detailed description of what the people looked like and were wearing, a description of their vehicle and license plate number and direction in which they headed if possible.

He said another version of the scam happens when a person knocks on a door and asks to use a phone or the bathroom, saying their car is broken down. When the owner lets them in, they steal things instead of making a call or using the restroom.

YPD spokesman Clint Norred said he is not aware of any recent reports of this scam occurring.

The couple was described as using the names David and Catherine, and the daughter was called Hailey. Thomas Gore said the couple appeared to be in their late 30s or early 40s and of medium height and build. The woman had blonde hair that was pulled back, the man had sideburns and dark hair, and their daughter had blonde hair. They travelled in a mid-size white or silver sedan, according to Thomas Gore.

"These sorts of crimes are out there," Thomas Gore said. "They look like normal people. They act like normal people. But they're professionals."

He said he and his wife were hoping to help others avoid being duped by the couple.

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Nicole Squibbs can be reached at nsquibbs@yumasun.com or 539-6855.