A safety advisory alert was sent out to the LMC community on Friday afternoon, October 18 regarding a potential scam on campus. It consisted of both a text and email alert, with the text imploring receivers to check their InSite email for further information.

According to the email written by LMC President Pamela Ralston and Acting 4CD Police Chief R. Huddleston, several women on campus had reported instances of a suspected scammer approaching them for assistance on a research project.

The scammer, described as a male wearing a COVID mask, would show women a flier he created using the LMC logo and ask if they would consent to helping him with the project.

Afterward, he lured the women to a more secluded location on campus — such as the music and science buildings — and requested they take a position that made it difficult to see what he was doing and asked them to wear a blindfold. During this, he would photograph or film them.

Ralston elaborated that there have been “three separate incidents reported over the past three years.”

The scammer is suspected of posing as a student, but at this time, there is no further information to report.

Ralston shared that “while the person’s actions are suspicious and prompted students to report this behavior, there has not technically been a crime at this point.”

The safety alert aimed to keep students informed and aware of the resources they have to report suspicious behavior and express their concerns.

The original email reminds students that “even if you consent, you can change your mind and say no.”

It then provides a list of safety tips and resources, prefaced with the assurance that “the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff remain our highest priority.”

Recommendations include: staying aware, trusting your instincts, knowing your campus resources, reporting suspicious behavior, using the buddy system, being cautious with personal items, and staying in well-lit area s.

The Police Services Station is located near Parking Lot 1A. Their contact numbers are 925-473-7332 and 925-439-1505.