ANDERSON, SC (FOX Carolina) -
A pair of crooks who claim to be from a power company are scamming elderly people in Anderson County, according to deputies.
Investigators said that on Jan. 4, an elderly Honea Path couple were lured out of their home by a white man claiming to be from Duke Energy and wearing a reflective vest, blue jeans and driving a red pickup. They said that while one of the men distracted the couple, the other man went into the home and stole a purse.
Deputies said that on Feb. 2, a man fitting a similar description lured an elderly Piedmont woman out of her home, while another man went inside the home and stole jewelry and other valuables.
"After a while, I just felt numb," said Clara Phillips, one of the victims. "I just could not believe anybody would do that. I trust everybody."
Phillips said the man told her she would get free tree-trimming services, and kept her outside for about 10 minutes.
"I think scammers are getting more and more brave, doing this in person and going after a selective group and getting their trust," said Chad McBride, spokesperson for the Anderson County Sheriff's Office.
Anyone with information about the crimes is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 888-CRIME-SC (888-274-6372).
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