APOPKA, Fla. – Apopka police are searching for a man accused of convincing a victim to hand over a large amount of cash outside a Walmart by gaining their trust through a shared religious belief, according to investigators.
Police released surveillance images of the suspect, saying the encounter happened outside the Walmart in the 1700 block of South Orange Blossom Trail.
Investigators say the suspect approached the victim and claimed he had recently inherited a large sum of money and wanted to donate part of it to charity. Police say the suspect built trust by discussing shared religious beliefs before persuading the victim to hand over cash.
According to police, a second individual briefly appeared during the interaction to help legitimize the suspect’s story. The suspect then left the area with what police described as a “large sum of money.”
Shoppers outside the store said the incident is a reminder to remain cautious when approached by strangers.
“You can’t talk to everybody, especially around the holidays,” one shopper said. “You shouldn’t be sharing religious beliefs or anything personal.”
Another shopper said the scam left them concerned.
“That makes me feel sick,” the shopper said. “I hope they can get the money back somehow.”
Investigators are asking anyone who recognizes the man in the surveillance images or has information about the case to contact Apopka police or Crimestoppers.