PETERSBURG, IN (WFIE) -
They pretend to be raising money for a church, but Petersburg Police say the couple is stealing cash and pills from the homes of unsuspecting residents.
Petersburg Police say they've never seen a scam quite like this one, but it does have some similarities to other criminal activity because they say the scammers prey on people's sensitivities.
"They might even say, 'This person might be a Christian' but a Christian wouldn't do such things," said Senior Pastor at The Church Alive Mark Davis.
Davis says the actions of few have potentially harmed the reputation of area ministries.
According to Petersburg Police, a couple, a man and woman, are going around town knocking on doors and telling people they're raising money for their church.
Corporal Chad Tharp says while inside, one of them asks to use the restroom and that's when they raid the victim's medicine cabinet.
"It's a pretty good scam they've got going on. I think they've got a lot of guts to go into someone's residence and try to scam them like that, to do it over the phone is on thing, but to go on their house and to actually knock on the door."
But Tharp says, in some cases, they're taking this a step further, asking the victim to join them in prayer.
While the victim is praying, Tharp says the suspects make off with other items.
Davis says using prayer is insulting to people of faith.
"That's really stepping into this thing and playing a part to even gain confidence that goes beyond most criminal's thoughts."
Tharp says they've received around a dozen calls about the suspects and believe they are responsible for a large amount of missing money and painkillers. He says most people are pretty trusting, but warns people to be a little wary about strangers at their doors.
"Just try to be aware, if you can. If they ask to use the restroom, try to be a little more aware. It's going around," Tharp says.
Officers say they haven't had many calls of complaints since Tuesday, however if you have any information, you're asked to call Petersburg Police.
Copyright 2012 WFIE. All rights reserved.
Once the victim is praying, Tharp says sometimes the suspects will take the opportunity to steal things from purses.
