HOUSTON – Two men have been arrested after a months-long investigation, accused of running a common scam: follow an unsuspecting driver, convince them one of their wheels is loose and then take their money.
Sam Yonko, 31, is charged with three counts of felony theft.
Investigators say he and a second suspect, Nick Stanley, would pull the scam along Westheimer Road in southwest Houston and would threaten drivers if they didn't pay.
Stanley is charged with two counts of theft.
It's called the wobbly wheel scam and it happens when strangers say there's something wrong with your tire. They get you to pull over, then they damage your tire and offer to fix it, forcing you to go to an ATM to withdraw hundreds of dollars to pay them for the repairs.
Police said one of the men has been known to be part of scams like this for at least 13 years.
Suspects arrested in this case ... if you think you may be a victim, call HPD Major Offenders 713-308-3100 or @CrimeStopHOU 713-222-TIPS https://t.co/QEvWTGWYpj pic.twitter.com/5EU3J7GPFY
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) May 30, 2019