Men pose as Customs agents in attempt to rip-off an unsuspecting couple

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Police in Fresno are searching for the men who posed as U.S. Customs agents in an attempt to rip-off an unsuspecting couple.

The neighborhood off Van Ness and Spruce is an affluent place to live. Until this week it was also peaceful and quiet for Harpreet Bali and her husband.

"I was petrified," said Bali.

On Monday evening the Balis were having dinner when they heard a knock on the door.

"He says we are from U.S. Customs. You owe a lot of money so we have to come to talk to you or take you downtown. My husband said, 'Downtown, why would you take us downtown? I owe nobody any money.'"

The family describes the two men as Caucasian and Hispanic in the mid-twenties. Bali says they wore uniforms similar to U.S. Customs but their persistence to get inside their home seemed suspicious. She called 911 before everyone escalated, "They took out a revolver," added Bali.

The two men never got inside and eventually backed off and then took off running. "In two minutes the helicopter was on our driveway and they were throwing lights all around but by that time they had just disappeared," said Bali.

Fresno police believe the pair canvassed the neighborhood before zeroing in on their door. "Clearly in my mind after reading the reporters and going out there, he was targeted," said Lt. Joe Gomez. He added, "It could have been much worse. It could have been a home invasion and they were armed."

The Bali's were not hurt during the confrontation but they want to get the word out so no one becomes a victim. "Van Ness extension is one of the best areas of Fresno; I can just imagine how many other people these folks will hit. It's not right," said Bali.

Police want any neighbors who live in the area and who may have surveillance cameras attached to the outside of their homes to come forward. They believe someone may have evidence captured on tape which could lead to an arrest.