NEWBURYPORT, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Newburyport police are investigating a man they say is scamming residents and very persistent. Investigators say he likes to target people in popular places like Market Basket and what makes people fall for the scam is that he uses his kids and family as a ploy.
Police say a man was approaching families on Marlboro Street and asking if they were in need of car repairs.
Inspector Chris McDonald from the Newburyport Police Department said, "What we are worried about right now in Newburyport is, they're going door to door. There actually following people."
The scam artist tells people he is a mechanic and will do work on their car for less than a body shop.
"This particular suspect doesn't take no for an answer. He continues to push and push," McDonald said.
Linda Paulhus fell for the scam, and says the man approaches people with his family in the car.
"I said, 'Are you going to leave the children in the car?' He said maybe you can give them juice or a snack," she explained.
The two kids, ages 1 and 2, welcomed themselves in and sat near the wood burning stove. The mother made herself at home and the father worked on the car out back.
A short time later, Linda realized that something wasn't right.
"He called me outside and asked me for $20 to buy paint," she said.
He left behind a mess and a bill for $300, she told FOX25. Four other victims have come forward and they're out hundreds of dollars each. Linda says she learned a lesson.
"I usually get someone's license plate to identify them that is the one thing I would suggest to anybody," she said.
Police say the man has no experience in the automotive field.
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