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State Police: Rome man swindled money out of victims under guise of distress

By WKTV News

Story Created: Sep 18, 2012 at 10:52 AM EDT

Story Updated: Sep 18, 2012 at 10:57 AM EDT

ROME, N.Y. (WKTV) - A Rome man has been charged after authorities say he took money from people under the pretense that they were helping his companion hire a locksmith to get back into her locked vehicle.

According to New York State Police, Timothy R. Smith, 40, of Rome was charged with second-degree scheme to defraud.

Authorities say Smith was charged with attempting to obtain money from people by approaching them at their residences and claiming his wife or girlfriend was locked out of her vehicle at a convenience store and he needed the funds to pay for a locksmith. On several occasions, State Police said he actually received money.

If anyone in the area of Rome, Marcy, Floyd believes they may have been approached by Smith in August or September with a similar occurrence, they are asked to please contact State Police at (315) 736-8802.

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