Crime Prevention Tips - Drug Awareness

It's not always easy to spot con artists. They're smart, extremely persuasive, and aggressive. They invade your home by telephone and mail, advertise in well-known newspapers and magazines, and come to your door.

Most people think they're too smart to fall for a scam. But con artists rob all kinds of people - from investment counselors and doctors to teenagers and elderly widows - of billions of dollars every year.

Just remember... if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

You Can Protect Yourself!

Never give a caller your credit card, phone card, Social Security, or bank account number over the phone. It's illegal for telemarketers to ask for these numbers to verify a prize or gift.
Beware of 900 numbers. People who call 900 numbers to request instant credit often end up with a booklet on how to establish credit or a list of banks offering low-interest credit cards. Such calls can end up costing $50 or more, but consumers rarely end up obtaining credit.
Listen carefully to the name of a charity requesting money. Fraudulent charities often use names that sound like a reputable, well-known organization such as the American Cancer Association (instead of the American Cancer Society).
Ask for a financial report before you donate; a reputable charity will always send you one.
Investigate before you invest. Never make an investment with a stranger over the phone. Beware of promises that include the terms "get rich quick," or "a once in a lifetime opportunity."

Be a Wise Consumer

Don't buy health products or treatments that include: a promise for a quick and dramatic cure, testimonials, imprecise and non-medical language, appeals to emotion instead of reason, or a single product that cures many ills. Quackery can delay an ill person from getting timely treatment.
Look closely at offers that come in the mail. Con artists often use official-looking forms and bold graphics to lure victims. If you receive items in the mail that you didn't order, you are under no obligation to pay for them - throw them out, return them, or keep them.
Be suspicious of ads that promise quick cash working from your home. After you've paid for the supplies or a how-to book to get started, you often find there's no market for the product and there's no way to get your money back.
Beware of cheap home repair work that would otherwise be expensive, regardless of the reason given. The con artist may just do part of the work, use shoddy materials and untrained workers, or simply take your deposit and never return.
Use common sense in dealing with auto repairs. One mechanic convinced a woman that she needed to have the winter air in tires replaced with summer air! Get a written estimate, read it carefully, and never give the repair shop a blank check to "fix everything."

Protect Yourself From Telemarketing Fraud

Your best protection is to just hang up the phone. If you think that is rude, tell these callers politely that you are not interested, don't want to waste their time, and please don't call back - and then hang up. If you find yourself caught up in a sales pitch, remember the federal government's Telemarketing Sales Rule.

You have to be told the name of the company, the fact that it is a sales call, and what's being sold. If a prize is being offered, you have to be told immediately that there is no purchase necessary to win. If the caller says you've won a prize, you cannot be asked to pay anything for it. You can't even be required to pay shipping charges. If it is a sweepstakes, the caller must tell you how to enter without making a purchase.
You cannot be asked to pay in advance for services such as cleansing your credit record, finding you a loan, acquiring a prize they say you've won. You pay for services only if they're actually delivered.
You shouldn't be called before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. If you tell telemarketers not to call again, they can't. If they do, they have broken the law.
If you're guaranteed a refund, the caller has to tell you all the limitations.

And remember, don't give telemarketers your credit card number, your bank account number, Social Security number - or authorize bank drafts - ever.

If Someone Rips You Off

Report con games to the police, your city or state consumer protection office, district attorney's office, or a consumer advocacy group.
If you suspect fraud, call the National Fraud Information Center at 800-876-7060, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST. To find out more, visit http://www.fraud.org/.
Don't feel foolish. Reporting is vital. Very few frauds are reported, which leaves the con artists free to rob other people of their money - and their trust.

Some Classic Cons

Although con artists come up with new scams as times change, some classic scams never go out of style.

The Pigeon Drop

A female, male or any combination of same will approach you and either show you a large amount of cash or tell you about the large sum of money that they just found. The con artist may explain that whoever lost the cash must have obtained it unlawfully. He will offer to share the wealth with you, but first you will need to put up some cash in order to show your good faith. The con artist will encourage you to make a withdrawal at your local bank. In most cases the con artist does not have any cash to show you on the spot, but has had a third party approach the scam and offer to bring you back your share as a responsible employer is holding on to the loot. If the con artist has shown you the found cash and offered to share with you on the spot, after you hand over your good faith money, then all you will find is a few small bills wrapped around a lot of nothing. The bottom line is not to fall for any story about any found cash and sharing in the wealth.

Bank Examiner Scam

A male or female purporting to be a law enforcement officer complete with badge to get your attention, will either phone or approach you and explain that they need your assistance to catch a corrupt bank employee. The con artist (fake cop) will inform you that the local bank teller at your bank is stealing your money every time you make a transaction. The con artist will further tell you that they need you to make a withdrawal and they will be able to prove to you that the suspect teller actually withdrew more cash than you requested and kept the difference. The con artist will inform you to keep this matter strictly confidential. The con artist may even meet you in a public place, such as a library, in order to go over the details of their investigation. You will feel a need to cooperate as this is your money and you don't want to be deceived by the corrupt bank teller.You meet the fake cop at the bank and he may even arrange for a cab ride for you. The con artist will direct you to make a substantial withdrawal and ask you to turn it over to them in order to document the bills and complete the investigation. The only problem is soon after you turn over your cash to the fake cop/con artist, the con and the cash will vanish in the parking lot . Real cops don't need you to withdraw money to investigate these types of matters. Real cops will either use loss prevention personnel at the bank, other bank employees, plain clothes police officers, or other sources.

Flat Tire/Good Samaritan Alert

After conducting business at your local bank, check your tires and see if they appear to be low on tire pressure or flat. Cons have been known to either puncture or slash a tire on your car knowing the tire will soon be flat. The con will follow you from the bank parking lot and offer to help with the flat tire . The con usually targets the elderly knowing they will normally accept the offer of assistance. The cons may travel as a husband and wife and appear friendly and non-threatening. As soon as one of the cons begin working on the flat tire the other will be working on cleaning out your purse.

Driveway and Roof Repair Scams

A male will approach you and offer to fix that roof leak you have or seal coat your driveway. The price will be reasonable and they offer to work cheap in exchange for cash. The con artist may even have a letterhead that looks to be legitimate. Due to the low cost you may agree to have the work performed immediately. The con artist will simply use a silver color paint to brush around the flashing making it look like he is hard at work on your roof. The con may offer to seal coat the driveway in a similar fashion and simply apply some old motor oil to the dull surface making it look good as new, until the first rain. In either case the con really wants the cash you have hidden within your home in addition to the fee he charged for the supposed "work". Here's how he'll get it... The con will ask to use your bathroom or telephone. His partner may engage you in a conversation to distract your attention while the con roots through your dresser drawers and jewelry boxes. They know where to look and are familiar with all the "secret" hiding places most homeowners use. They can pick you clean in just minutes.

The Lost Puppy Trick

Also be on the alert during summer months when your out in your yard for a con artist family that pretends to be looking for their lost puppy. These same con artist are the same people doing the roof and driveway jobs, but they just ran out of silver paint and old motor oil.While you are helping them find the lost puppy, some of the family members will be inside your home looking for cash and other items of value. Don't be taken by the family traveling with children as they too are part of the diversion. A popular variation of the lost puppy is to have the child ring the doorbell and beg to use the washroom. The child will appear to be in obvious distress. You let the kid in to use the bathroom while mom or dad engage you in conversation. While you are distracted the child goes through your things, pocketing cash and jewelry. Keep your doors locked at all times, even if you are just out in the back yard for a few minutes, that's all the time they need to seek and find. If you need your roof repaired or driveway seal coated check with a neighbor and get a referral, check your local yellow pages, or find a trustworthy handy man. Also check with your local city or township office and see if they have a list of competent sources to perform the work in question.When in doubt investigate first, before its too late. Notify the local police if you suspect some type of scam going down or if you see what you believe to be a scam going on at the home of an elderly neighbor.

Meter Readers-Census Workers-Police Officers

Also be on the look-out for strangers appearing at your door purporting to be utility workers from either the telephone, electric, or gas company. These con artists for the most part target the elderly. The con artist simply wants to gain entry and find the cash kept in the home. Keep your distance and verify their credentials by calling their office. These innocent property crimes can go bad and turn into violent crimes. Unfortunately, there are con artist that go one step further and identify themselves as police officers in order to gain entry into your home. Don't hesitate to question the identity of whoever. Call the police and check the validity of these officers if in doubt, they will be glad to assist you and will understand your concern. Dial 911 for an emergency. Better to be Safe than to be Sorry. It may be time to purchase a inexpensive intercom system that is easily installed. This way you don't have to have any face-to-face contact with a con artist and you can summons the police before its too late.

Door-To-Door Sales

Often times con artists will try to get you to subscribe to a magazine or offer a cure for a medical condition. A con may also offer a free inspection of your home for problems with your furnace, hot water tank, appliance, or garage door. Whatever the con has to offer, simply say no and report them to your local police. More than likely they need to have a solicitor or business license of some type from your local city hall in order to conduct such door-to-door business. The con may even have an I.D. that appears to have been issued by your local government office. Check it carefully. Don't get tangled in the net by these con artist that may offer to perform electrical, plumbing, and related work. Anybody can have stationery printed in no time that looks to be legitimate. You worked too hard for your money, don't give it away. Get a referral from a neighbor for work that needs to be performed and consult the yellow pages.

Fool's Gold

A male will approach you and explain that he recently separated with his girlfriend or has recently stolen the 14K ladies ring that he now has in his hand and that he needs fast cash. The male may go on to tell you that he was just laid off from his job. The con may even tell you how the money will pay for food and a fill up for his car, as of course he just ran out of gas. The story and the ring look pretty good. You make an offer and feel real good about the great deal you just negotiated. The only problem is that the ring is of little if any value.

TV Scams

You will be approached by a male con artist who shows you a brand new portable television and will offer to sell you one, still in the box. The con artist will tell you that he has a few available as they fell off the truck, if you know what I mean. The price will be good and the TV is just the thing you need. The con will sell you a brand new one in the box. You can't wait until you get home with your new TV. Luckily for you the con only sold you one box of bricks in a TV box. Another TV Scam is targeted for only the high roller/professional. The con will find your company listed in a local phone book and call your office. The con will explain that he just happened to find himself in the neighborhood and has a tractor-trailer full of TVs for sale. The con explains that he is just a block or two away at a local restaurant and is willing to meet with you if you keep the matter confidential, as the TVs have just been stolen from a retail store at a local shopping center. You meet the con at the restaurant and discuss price for the entire load of TVs. The con wants you to get the cash together immediately and rent a truck suitable to hold the load of TVs, as they currently are stored in a trailer waiting at a loading dock. The con will have you drive him to the shopping center in order to view the trailer load of TVs. The con will simply pick out a trailer backed into a retail store of the mall and explain how the driver is in on the deal/theft. You hurry up and come back with the cash and the truck. You give the con a ride back to the loading dock, as he needs to confirm everything with his partner at the dock. The con artist jumps onto dock or enters a small door near loading dock to show you he is legit. After a few hours you investigate and find the real driver of the tractor-trailer and discover the con is long gone. The con made his way from the dock area to the mall and is still laughing.

Lottery Ticket Scam

A con will seek you out and offer to share with you the windfall from a winning lottery ticket. The con will explain how he/she is unable to claim the winning ticket because he/she is either going through a divorce and can't claim the money or is on a work-related injury and is receiving benefits that will be reduced. The con may even have another third party involved to verify the validity of the ticket. You will in turn feel the need for greed and give the con artist a sum of cash in exchange for the winning lottery ticket. I don't think I have to tell you the ending to this story if you have been paying attention. Please pass this information on to family members that may not be aware of these type of scams. Con artist scams occur throughout all neighborhoods. Just because someone appears to be legitimate and you feel a need to save or make money, don't be fooled.

Watch Out for Con Artists

Don't fall for anything that sounds too good to be true - a free vacation, sweepstakes prizes, cures for cancer and arthritis, a low-risk, high-yield investment scheme.

Never give your credit card, phone card, Social Security, or bank account number to anyone over the phone. It's illegal for telemarketer to ask for these numbers to verify a prize or gift.

Don't let anyone rush you into signing anything - an insurance policy, a sales agreement, a contract. Read it carefully and have someone you trust check it over.

Beware of individuals claiming to represent companies, consumer organizations, or government agencies that offer to recover lost money from fraudulent telemarketer for a fee.

If you're suspicious, check it out with your local police department, the Better Business Bureau, or local consumer protection office. Call the National Consumers League Fraud Information Center at 800-876-7060.

Report suspicious activity to your local police department.