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Scammer strikes for third time

A con artist who meets his victims in Tinley Park has struck for the third time, most recently taking a Plainfield woman for $17,200.

The man, who Tinley Park police say is posing as Wisconsin native Kyle Bradshaw, is using fake Bank of America cashier's checks to buy vehicles and auto parts, said Det. Ken Karczewski, who is investigating the case.

"Obviously he's not who he says he is," Cmdr. Phil Valois said, adding that police suspect the scammer, who has yet to be identified, bought a fake ID or had one made.

On March 15, the scammer gave a $24,000 cashier's check to a Tinley Park resident for his Dodge Charger.

They met at the man's home, police said.

Three days later, the scammer gave a Peru, Ill., man - whom he met at a Speedway gas station, 7201 183rd St. - a phony $3,750 cashier's check for a set of chrome rims and tires.

On March 22, the man gave a Plainfield couple a $17,200 cashier's check for their 2004 Chevrolet Silverado.

They met at Odyssey Fun World, 19101 S. Oak Park Ave.

The victims posted their vehicles and auto parts for sale online or in trade magazines. Karczewski said anyone exchanging such items for money should do so in bank parking lots. That way, buyers and sellers can go in the bank together and make sure any cashier's checks used are legitimate.

Anyone with information should call Tinley Park police at (708) 444-5356.

Kristen Schorsch can be reached at kschorsch@southtownstar.com or (708) 633-5992. Kristen also blogs about Tinley Park at blogs.southtownstar.com.

Have you seen this man?

Tinley Park police are searching for a scam artist described by victims as a black man in his mid- to late 20s who is about 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs about 160 pounds.Anyone with information should call Tinley Park police at (708) 444-5356.