Lordstown police and Scouts investigate popcorn sale scam

LORDSTOWN — The Lordstown Police Department is investigating a scam involving Boy Scout Troop 101 from Warren.

During the months of October, November, and December an early teenage boy with an adult male and adult female canvassed residences of Lordstown selling popcorn as a fundraiser. The boy was dressed in a Boy Scout uniform and also had an order form.

Upon completing the sale, payment would be asked for up-front in the form of cash. In mid- January police received some complaints from residents that purchased popcorn but never got their product.

During the initial part of the investigation, it was learned that some Boy Scout troops in the Trumbull County region did sell popcorn as a fundraiser. Troop 101, however, did not.

Lordstown police identified people of interest and learned that other communities in Trumbull County such as the city of Warren, Champion, Howland and Niles were targeted by these people. The Lordstown Police Department has been working with the Boy Scouts of America Greater Western Reserve Council in its investigation.

Lordstown police are asking village residents if they are a victim of this scam to contact the department at 330-824-2545 to file a report.