Dallas police say they're looking for a woman who tricked a man with dementia into applying for credit cards and gift cards worth up to $16,000 -- someone they're calling the "Sweetheart Swindler."
Dallas Detective David Cervantez calls it a "Sweetheart Swindle" because the main suspect was talking marriage with the victim as she took his money until relatives notice suspicious bills.
"She built a relationship with him in the course of a month before they reported it to us," Cervantez said.
The woman eventually stopped answering the man's phone calls, police say. The suspects involved were captured on video at a Town East Mall jewelry store for part of the scam.
"Lisa" is seen in scooter at the jewelry store directing two younger women as they make a purchase using the victim's credit.
"She's giving them instructions on what they want to buy, what they're looking for," he said.
Cervantez said the victim also paid for merchandise and gift cards from several other stores before the suspects disappeared.
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Officials say many victims of similar swindles never come forward because they are embarrassed. So they suspect other victims might recognize these suspects.
"If somebody knows who they are and can give us that information, that would be very helpful," Dallas Police Major William Humphrey said.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Detective Cervantez at 214-671-3544.
