Burglar poses as plumber in a scam targeting elderly residents

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. - The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office is notifying residents about a scam in which a burglar poses as plumber in West Boynton Beach.

Detectives say the man behind the crime posed as a plumber.

Investigators say he knocked on the door of a Regal Shores resident's home, claiming he worked for the property management company.

The woman, detectives say, let the man in. He told her he had to check her pipes.

During that time, the man sprayed the woman with a liquid he said was acid.

Detectives say he told her to wash it off, so the woman took off her jewelry to wash it off her hands.

When she did that, investigators say he took the jewelry, and then took off, saying he had to get more tools from his truck.

Several residents in the community said they were shocked to learn this happened there.

One resident, who didn't want to be identified, says "You're not supposed to open your door, and everybody knows that."

She said detectives investigating the crime told her they would release more information on it soon.