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Johns Creek police warn of flat tire scheme

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek police are warning residents of a possible scam artist who's posing as a good Samaritan.

An email blast went out to hundreds of homeowners Tuesday evening and police have posted a warning on their Facebook page telling residents to be careful.

Channel 2 Action News found and interviewed one victim of the scheme.

Joyce Curley said it happened April 1, just after she had withdrawn hundreds of dollars from her bank for a family vacation.

A few moments later, one of her back tires went flat on her SUV. After she pulled over on Medlock Bridge Road to call her auto club, she said a man poked his hand through her open passenger side window and offered her a can of Fix-O-Flat.

"And I took it from him and he had it wrapped in a rag, and I finished my phone call and put it down here and left it there," Curley said told Channel 2's Tony Thomas.

A few moments later, Curley said she noticed her purse was gone. She believes the man stole her cash, credit cards and keys while she was distracted with the flat tire.

Police later discovered her tire had been punctured, likely on purpose. She believes she was followed that mid-afternoon until she pulled over.

"He's just scum and I mean preying up here, I'm sure on women," Curley said.

The police report shows one of Curley's credit cards was used at a QT gas station just across the street from her bank.

Curley said the efforts to re-key her house and car have set her back $1,000.

She said she also learned a valuable lesson that she wants other women to learn as well.

"Keep your windows up, keep your doors locked and leave your purse on your left side, not in the passenger side," Curley warned.