HOUSTON – A sophisticated thief posing as a potential patient has hit multiple medical offices across Houston, using an elaborate ruse involving a “feminine emergency” to steal wallets and rack up thousands in fraudulent charges.
The suspect, described as a woman wearing a black wig, upscale clothing and a face mask, has targeted at least four medical practices, according to reports filed with the Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
Dental and eye care offices seem to be the favorite targets of the woman, who has yet to be confirmed to be the suspect in all of the incidents being investigated by law enforcement, despite having a remarkably similar appearance.
In one incident, Dr. Giancarlo Aymerich of The Perfect Smile lost nearly $3,000 when the suspect used his stolen credit card at Best Buy to purchase a MacBook Pro and PlayStation console.
The theft occurred the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.
“You feel violated,” Aymerich said. “She used the same wig, the same mask, and the same kind of elegant clothes. She looks like a normal person. It’s a perfect scammer.”
The thief’s method is remarkably consistent across all reported cases.
She enters medical offices claiming to schedule an appointment for a family member, then asks to use the restroom. Once inside, she quickly exits and takes advantage of the momentary distraction to steal wallets from private offices or unattended areas.
If confronted, the suspect claims to have a “feminine emergency” and asks staff for feminine hygiene products, buying time to complete the theft.
Dr. Negin Akbarin of Apollo Vision Haus fell victim to the same scheme.
While the suspect attempted to make an $800 purchase at Target using Akbarin’s credit card, the transaction was declined.
“It was disheartening because I do feel like she plays on individuals’ emotions,” Akbarin said. “A lot of our medical offices, especially in optometry, are mostly females.”
Beyond monetary losses, victims say they’ve lost irreplaceable personal items. Akbarin had a cherished wallet given to her by her mother and her deceased pet’s medical card, which she had kept as a memento.
Law enforcement officials are investigating the string of thefts.
“The way that the heist was made was impeccable,” Aymerich said. “She knows what she’s doing. This is not her first time.”
Have information that could help solve this case? Share an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers of Houston by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477) or sharing online.
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