Columbia Citizens

There is a guy going around scamming money by pretending to be locked out of his house and short a couple bucks for the locksmith. My husband and I both, individually, fell for his story while out walking our dog. I was duped about 3 months ago, my husband just this week.

The guy is a light skinned African-American, in his early 40's, calls himself "Patrick." The story usually includes details about how he is a janitor, his boyfriend works for Microsoft, his father was a pastor at The Rose of Sharon (or some other neighborhood institution), and then he changes up the amount he needs once it seems lilkely you will give him something (first says he needs $4, then says $14).

He has been perpetuating this scam for years in neighborhoods all over Seattle. Please be aware.
http://beaconhill.seattle.wa.us/2011/05/17/weve-heard-this-locked-out-plea-before/

"Patrick" is back. Second time he's tried it on me. I called him on it and he took off pretending to be flustered. i called the non-emergency number and the police are on the lookout. Seems harmless, but clearly taking advantage of people.

We got a visit tonight too, about 8:45p. On bicycle, same description. He gave my neighbor the same locksmith shtick, I saw him coming and didn't answer the door.