Coin dealer Susan Trask and Bill Lorman were the victims of a vehicle burglary that resulted in the loss of inventory exceeding $200,000. The offense occurred at the Best Western in Kent, Washington. Both dealers were preparing to attend the Coin and Currency show at the Kent Commons in Kent, Washington.

A partial list of stolen Inventory:

• Approx. 200 pieces gold- 21/2, 5 and 10’s
• 25-30 certified coins primarily Walking Liberty Halves
• Large assortment of Franklin and Kennedy half dollars
• Liberty seated dimes
• Full box of better Civil War Tokens
• Full box of type coins

Coins were in 2×2 holders.

Anyone with information contact :

Doug Davis
817-723-7231
Doug@numismaticcrimes.org

Detectives with the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office in Wisconsin has requested NCIC assistance in an on-going investigation(Theft/Fraud) involving a subject identified as Charles Christensen (C.C. Trading).

Mr. Christensen’s MO is to order products from the victims and overnights them a check for the product. Once the products are shipped Mr. Christensen closes the account the check is written on causing the check to be returned NSF.

Any dealer who has information is holding a bad check or knows of additional victims please contact:

Detective Ryan Greener
Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office
(715) 839-4706 (Desk)

or

Doug Davis
817-723-7231
Doug@numismaticcrimes.org

During the past 45-60 days NCIC has seen a change in the pattern and MO (modus operandi) of ROMA gang suspects. It is evident that these individuals are beginning to target smaller shows. Coin show dealers and promoters should be aware and on the alert.

(Suspects have hit shows in Texas, Oklahoma and Indiana)

MO:

• Usually work in pairs (Male-male, Male-female)
• Heavy European accent
• Interested in gold and silver coins
• Pretends to know little about coins
• Wants coins for present etc.,
• Displays large amt of cash( Bait/distraction)
• Both want to look at different coins at same time (distraction)
• One or both asks numerous questions(distraction)
• May attempt to reach in to dealers case
• Very good at palming ( especially female suspect)
• May not have enough cash and wants to leave and come back shortly(however in several cases they have already palmed coins and never return)
• Suspects may leave deposit and not return because during the transaction they have palmed or switched coins that have been packaged.
• Suspects in some cases buy several thousands of dollars in coins and pay in cash. However during the transaction they want to re-count the money over and over. After they leave the dealer is short of cash.

Be aware of these red flags. Contact security or the show promoter and advise them of any suspicious activity.

Doug Davis
Founder/President
NCIC