Man scams babysitters off Craigslist

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Grand Rapids police are looking for a man who advertised on Craigslist.com to fill a babysitting position.

The suspect, a black man in his 30s, arranged separate meetings with at least eight women at around 11:30 a.m. in downtown Grand Rapids on Wednesday. He took down their personal information, such as names, addresses, phone and driver's license numbers and the last four digits of a social security number.

Then, he took $20 from each victim, saying it was for a criminal background check, and it would be refunded if the check was clear.

The victims were instructed to meet at an address in Kentwood, which was supposed to be the man's home. They were told his wife and daughter would be at the residence, in the 5800 block of Southstone Avenue.

Some of the victims ran into each other searching for the address, which does not exist.

So far, the Grand Rapids Police Department has received calls from eight women, who range in age from 19 to 29. The department believes more women may have been targeted.

The suspect is described as 5-foot-8 and about 160 pounds, with short hair.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the GRPD at (616) 456-3400 or Silent Observer at (616) 774-2345.