EDITOR'S NOTE: Click HERE to help with a shoplifting case being investigated by the Bridgeport Police Department.

 

The Bridgeport Police Department is alerting the public to be on the lookout for individuals who are defrauding members of the community and it’s happened more than once, in more than one location in more than one city and even more than one state.

 

According to Bridgeport Police Sgt. A.S. Floyd, an out-of-state group that likely consists of individuals from Kentucky and Pennsylvania are navigating the area in vans. The vans are of different colors and makes, but all have the same lettering on them. Floyd said the vans say “J&L Audio” in the cases of those victimized.

 

“They are approaching people at gas stations, malls, and public parking lots,” said Floyd. “They are telling people that they were in the area and have completed a home audio installation and have extra equipment left over.”

 

It’s at this point where they have likely attempted to scam several individuals, while also actually scamming more than one person in Bridgeport and beyond.

 

“They ask those they approach if they would like to buy audio equipment at a reduced price,” said Floyd. “They state the speakers and equipment are worth upwards of $2,000 and are willing to get rid of them for $400 in order to avoid transporting them back.”

 

Floyd said the transactions are cash only transactions. When the deal is done and the equipment is acquired, the problems begin.

 

“Once the equipment is home it doesn’t work at all or in the manner it’s supposed to work,” said Floyd.

 

Twice in the last month it’s happened in Bridgeport. This past weekend, August 11, was the last time someone was a victim in the city and Floyd said they tend to try and do their business as close to the interstate as possible.

 

“It’s happened here, in Morgantown, Mount Morris and Waynesburg in Pennsylvania as well,” said Floyd. “It appears as if they’re working their way from Kentucky through West Virginia and into Pennsylvania staying closing to the interstate the entire time.”

 

Floyd said if anyone has information or may have purchased items from the group listed above to contact him at 304-848-6123. If he is not there, leave a message.

 

“I can’t stress enough if you are approached to please not buy this equipment. Contact local authorities immediately,” said Floyd. “If we can locate them, we can arrest them on fraudulent schemes.”

 

Floyd said he also looked up a phone number of "J&L Audio" as a business in the areas impacted. He was told that the number has been disconnected. J&L Audio is the name of manufacturer of consumer audio products.