ilbegone
10-31-2009, 07:28 AM
Scammers sting job seekers
Dozens left high and dry amid bogus promises of security positions at Playboy Mansion
October 30, 2009
BEATRIZ E. VALENZUELA Staff Writer
More than two dozen eager people waited patiently at the Victorville Denny’s parking lot for what many believed to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: Working security for the Playboy Mansion during one of the organization’s largest and well-known parties of the year.
Hopefuls gave the organizers anywhere from $50 to $225 a piece for their security uniforms, handcuffs, a flashlight and a security-guard card, Mark Camarena of Apple Valley said. The items were to be delivered to them Thursday night then they were going to be shuttled to Hugh Hefner’s home in Beverly Hills.
The shuttle never showed and about 30 local people were left waiting until 1 a.m. Friday.
But this operation went further than the Victor Valley, according to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Victorville station officials.
“We are investigating the possibility there were multiple victims throughout the Inland Empire,” Sgt. Chris Elvert said.
Sheriff’s officials are investigating the incident and ask anyone who may have been a victim to contact their local law enforcement station or call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. WeTip informants may be eligible for up to $1,000 reward if their information leads to an arrest and conviction.
Dozens left high and dry amid bogus promises of security positions at Playboy Mansion
October 30, 2009
BEATRIZ E. VALENZUELA Staff Writer
More than two dozen eager people waited patiently at the Victorville Denny’s parking lot for what many believed to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: Working security for the Playboy Mansion during one of the organization’s largest and well-known parties of the year.
Hopefuls gave the organizers anywhere from $50 to $225 a piece for their security uniforms, handcuffs, a flashlight and a security-guard card, Mark Camarena of Apple Valley said. The items were to be delivered to them Thursday night then they were going to be shuttled to Hugh Hefner’s home in Beverly Hills.
The shuttle never showed and about 30 local people were left waiting until 1 a.m. Friday.
But this operation went further than the Victor Valley, according to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Victorville station officials.
“We are investigating the possibility there were multiple victims throughout the Inland Empire,” Sgt. Chris Elvert said.
Sheriff’s officials are investigating the incident and ask anyone who may have been a victim to contact their local law enforcement station or call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. WeTip informants may be eligible for up to $1,000 reward if their information leads to an arrest and conviction.