Scammers target Berthold Police Toy Drive

Photo by: WDAY Radio Staff
Photo by: WDAY Radio Staff

(Berthold, ND) -- Berthold Police say scammers targeted their holiday toy drive.

Chief Al Schmidt says that 33-year-old Rae Thomas and 63-year-old Paul Ring contacted the department using multiple phone numbers and made up non-existent children and families in need.

Schmidt says they were attempting to claim over two-thousand dollars in toys, clothes, and other items. He says the two requested expensive items, such as Apple iPads.

An investigation led to Thomas' boyfriend, who admitted to helping her with other scams in the area.

Authorities say the pair also targeted a toy drive put on by a church. Charges are pending.