'Mechanics' Nearly Scam Woman of $4K Cash, Police Say

Madison Police said in a news release an elderly woman was nearly scammed Tuesday by two men claiming to be mechanics after one of the men approached her near the Madison Post Office, said he saw sparks coming from under her car and then followed her to her home to make the supposed repairs, authorities said.

After taking out tools and supposedly working on the car with another man, they handed her an itemized bill for $4,475 and told her it had to be paid in cash, according to a Madison Police news release.

As the woman was at a bank getting the money, bank employees became suspicious after hearing her story and an employee then called Madison Police. Patrolman Matthew Mirabella took a report from the woman, police said.

The woman described one of the men as being 5’10" with a scruffy beard, and the other as being shorter. Both men wore work clothes including blue jeans, police said. The woman described their vehicle as a newer style black Chevy sedan.

The investigation was turned over to the Madison Police Detective Bureau. Police asked anyone with information about this incident or similar incidents to contact the Madison Police Department immediately . Police said residents should be aware of such scams and never let any unknown individuals follow them home for any reason. Madison Police can be reached at 973-593-3000.