Lordstown police and Scouts investigate popcorn sale scam

Staff report

LORDSTOWN

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

During the months of October, November and December, a 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 upfront in the form of cash. In mid-January, police received complaints from residents who 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 Warren city, 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.

People in other communities who believe they are victims of this scam should contact their local police.