Phone Scams and Door-to-Door Scams
These can be some of the most dangerous scams because the con artists are very good at this and their edge is in catching people off guard. They can sweet talk the elderly right out of their Social Security numbers, date of birth, and credit card numbers, and before they even realize what they've given out, the scam artist has stolen their identity and spent $5,000 on their credit card.
It's easy to say just don't open the door to any strangers or don't give out information over the phone, but these scammers are clever. They can claim to be your bank, your credit card company, or even a utility company. There is usually some problem with your account or perhaps they're trying to track down some fraudulent activity. That seems legitimate, so why not give them the information they need?
Even just providing a partial number can be dangerous. A recent scam involved the caller claiming to be from a utility company who is going to shut off your service for nonpayment. That situation sets up some panic, to say the least. Now he needs you to verify the last four numbers of a Social Security number so he can access the full account. This seems to be a normal procedure, so you oblige. Then he wants to verify that the first five numbers are “such and such”; well of course they're not, and before you realize what you've done, you've corrected him. With the correct number, he sees your account is not in trouble and he's so sorry to have bothered you. In reality, you just handed this thief your identity.
Never give out your numbers. If there is an issue, get the caller's name or other identifying information and call the company back yourself. Don't rely on any number the caller gives you, as this may be a set up as well. Find the number yourself and call and talk to a customer service supervisor.
Door-to-door scams can be easily avoided by not answering your door to strangers. This was always a hard-and-fast rule your parents told you growing up; now it's a rule for them to follow as well. But if they do, or happen to be outside and can't avoid the sales pitch, they have to firmly say, “Thank you, I'm not interested.”
A screen or storm door is helpful to keep the person from sticking his foot in the way so your parent can't close the door. A screen door can also make it more difficult to see directly into the home.
Watch your neighborhood newspaper for news about door-to-door scams in your community. Read the newsletters your city or county government sends out — they usually have alerts about the latest scams in your community as well.
Many communities require any door-to-door salespersons to obtain a permit from the city or county before campaigning. They are required to show you this permit. Ask to see it. If they don't have one, close the door. If they have one, be sure it has your city or county name on it and a current date. Check with your city or county office to see what this type of permit looks like.
A common scam is for two people to come to the door together, and after a moment or so, one asks if he could use the telephone or bathroom. It's usually an urgent need. The first person distracts the homeowner while the other person quickly rifles through personal belongings, drawers, purses, and billfolds. They are usually long gone before any missing money, jewelry, or valuables are noted. Hopefully, the Social Security card wasn't in the wallet next to the credit cards!
Tell your parents and in-laws never let anyone in their home. They will beg or try to intimidate them, but your parents have to be strong and firm. If the person really needs to use a phone, they can close the door, go get the phone, and bring it to them to use outside or direct them to a nearby public place for a restroom stop.
You have to be firm with your parents and remind them they need to be suspicious and not overly trusting of people. It's not easy to say no to someone, especially if she seems to need help, but they have to protect themselves.
