Rome man charged with using ruse to defraud residents

Rome (WSYR-TV) - A Rome man has been accused of defrauding people by telling them he needed money to hire a locksmith after his wife or girlfriend locked herself out of her car.

According to police, 40-year-old Timothy Smith of New Floyd Road approached people at their homes and obtained money from them on several occasions using the ruse.

He was charged on Saturday with scheme to defraud in the second degree, a misdemeanor.

State Police believe Smith may have swindled other people in August or September.

Anyone with information on Smith should call police at (315) 736-8802.