12-year-old sought for charity scams

PARMA, Ohio, June 16 (UPI) -- Authorities in Ohio are searching for a 12-year-old girl they say has scammed hundreds of people in a sophisticated fake charity con game.

Police say the girl, known only as Victoria, uses materials from the Multiple Sclerosis Society to convince unsuspecting donors to support the charity by buying alleged seasons passes from the Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio, WEWS-TV, Cleveland, reported Monday.

The girl charged $40 apiece for the phony amusement park passes, allegedly scamming hundreds of local businesses as well as at least one celebrity, Cleveland Browns football player Rex Hadnot, the station said.

Janet Kramer of the Multiple Sclerosis Society says the girl has been active across Ohio using the organization's name to steal money.

"A child by the name of Victoria was soliciting money from people," Kramer told the station. "She has oftentimes had our bike brochure with her and asks for cash, and she says she is collecting money for Bike MS."