Boston University Police Warn Students Of 'Well-Dressed' Scammer

BOSTON (CBS) -- Boston University police are warning students about a "well-dressed" scammer.

Police say a man likely scammed a student out of $100 Monday, telling the victim that he needed cab fare to get to an important meeting because his car got a flat tire.

"Over the last several years BU students have been victimized by scam artists posing as a person in distress and needing a large amount of cash," police said in a Facebook post. "Appealing to the students' good nature the suspect, usually well-dressed and polite, requests money needed urgently due to some sort of emergency, usually due to a car accident or broken down car."

The man often offers to go with the student to a nearby ATM.

Police said they don't usually interfere with acts of kindness, but want to warn students "of the possibility that your good nature is being exploited."

Anyone who has information on the incidents is asked to call police.

"We recommend you refrain from parting with your money in these situations," police said. "If the person is truly in need of assistance we can provide them with help."

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