In Nashville, Tennessee, a disturbing discovery has been made by WSMV4 Investigations. The same van with a temporary tag is being used in various cities where solicitors employ photos of children to ask for money for fake funerals. This latest revelation follows the initial exposure in February 2023 when similar tactics were uncovered.

Uncovering the Deceitful Van Scam

Section 1: The Repeated Incident in Nashville

On November 1 at the intersection of White Bridge Road and Charlotte Pike, the same solicitation was witnessed again. A woman held a sign featuring a child's photograph with the word "FUNERAL." Beneath it was written, "Danie Nacu, 9 years old, died in a car accident, please any help God bless." As WSMV4 Investigates approached to ask questions, the people ran and disappeared into parking lots. When asked about the sign, the woman initially said no speak English and later admitted it was for her "job" before taking off running. Each time WSMV4 Investigates tried to view the sign, she turned it away and eventually started walking through traffic. A man was waiting on the sidewalk beside the parking lot and became visibly angry when questioned. He grabbed the phone, asked why they were recording, and then walked away. WSMV4 Investigates retrieved their phone and continued to record as the woman and another man got into a gray KIA van and drove away, even throwing a can at them.

Section 2: Similar Incidents in Grand Rapids

WOOD-TV Investigative reporter Ken Kolker found similar signs featuring different children in Grand Rapids, Michigan. When he approached, one man hit his camera with his sign and another woman tried to cover up the camera. The solicitors piled into a gray KIA van and drove away. WSMV4 Investigates noticed that the gray KIA van in Nashville and the one in Grand Rapids looked almost identical, with the same year (2007) and lettering. Video from the Grand Rapids van showed a temporary tag from Arizona.

Section 3: Police Response and Further Implications

After sharing their findings with metro police, a spokesman said the people in the videos could be charged with theft for "obtaining money by fraudulent means." The police also planned to share the findings with the precincts for "awareness and increased vigilance." A spokeswoman for Grand Rapids police replied that there was no active investigation and did not respond to additional questions. Todd Rush, who periodically sends photos of the solicitors when he sees them in Nashville, said this is bigger than they thought and that they are traveling state to state. He expressed his aggravation at seeing the solicitors steal money from people.If there's something you want us to know about this story or anything else, please email [email protected]. Copyright 2024 WSMV. All rights reserved.