Animal Control Impostor Uses Snake Story to Scam Burlingame Man

Written by the Burlingame Police Department: 

The Burlingame Police Department is warning citizens of a scam that occurred on Tuesday.

On Aug. 27 at 6:50 p.m., a Burlingame resident on Francisco Drive. was contacted at his residence by a female who said she was looking for snakes in his backyard. The female suspect represented herself as an animal control officer. The resident escorted the female to the backyard but they could not locate any snakes.

While they were in the backyard, an unknown second suspect entered the home and removed property. The female left and the resident returned to inside his house. The resident last saw the female walking southbound on Rollins Road. He later realized somebody entered his house and stole a coin collection.

The female suspect was described as a heavy set Hispanic female with a “Bronx” type accent, 5 feet 2 inches tall with bleached blond hair tucked under a baseball cap and a khaki colored uniform with dried glue stains.

The resident never saw the second suspect or a related vehicle. The resident believed the female suspect talked loudly and constantly to cover any noises inside his house.

Peninsula Humane Society and the Burlingame Police Department are not currently investigating snake infestations or snake-related problems anywhere in Burlingame. Members of the Peninsula Humane Society (Animal Control) and the Burlingame Police Department are required to carry a government issued picture ID card (a business card is not sufficient ID) and most field employees drive clearly marked government vehicles.

Be aware of people knocking on your door and asking for someone who does not live in your home. Also be aware of solicitors at your door as this is a common ruse to see if anybody is home.

If you notice any suspicious activity, or have concerns of suspicious persons in your neighborhood, please notify the Burlingame Police Department.