DETROIT — A Dearborn man has been charged after police say he spent months scamming unsuspecting shoppers in retail parking lots across the city.
According to Dearborn police, Rami Mousa, 48, was arrested Friday and charged with eight counts of larceny, with additional charges expected as the investigation continues. Authorities say reports of the alleged scam date back at least four months.
Police say Mousa targeted shoppers in busy retail areas, including Fairlane and nearby strip malls. Investigators allege he approached victims with emotional stories, claiming he needed cash for emergencies such as gas money or baby formula, while promising to repay them using a cash transfer app.
Dearborn Police Commander Timothy McHale said Mousa would ask victims to send him money through Zelle in exchange for cash. When victims pulled out the cash, police say he grabbed it from their hands and ran away on foot.
So far, investigators are reviewing approximately ten reported incidents within the city. FOX 2 spoke with several alleged victims, one of whom said Mousa often approached people who spoke Arabic, claiming he could not speak English.
Mousa remains in jail on a $1,000 bond as the investigation continues.
