No matter who you are you can be conned or scammed! The first words we hear out of a victim's mouth are the words "I can not believe I fell for that!". Let me tell you, these con men (or woman) work at their craft. They train to get better at these scams like you would go to college or a trade school to get better at a discipline. So yes, it can happen to you! They are smooth talkers and if they talk their way into your home, you are on you way to becoming a victim of a crime.
The 104 Precinct ask that you do not do business with anyone who comes to your home unless you called them FIRST.
There are many scams out there, from the guy who claims to work for Con Edison, DEP or the telephone company and needs access to your home. This scam usually leads to a burglary once they gain access to you home. If someone comes to your home claiming to be from a utility company do not open the door. If time allows, call the Utility company directly to verify or call 911 if they refuse wait or become belligerent.
How about the guy who waves you down while driving to tell you that your car is smoking and he could quickly fix the issue for a fee..... Keep driving and if your car is really smoking I would stop at a reputable location to have it looked at.
Another recent scam involves individuals showing up to your home to do repairs on your home. Again these individuals are not called they just simply show up. These individuals may claim to be a reputable company which will do shoddy or no work at all. Most victims may not realize the work was not done until they have a serious issue and a real professional shows up to correct the issue.
While most of these cons or scams target the elderly, it can and will happen to you if you let your guard down. Please remain diligent at all times! If you encounter anyone on the street or at your home and they seem suspicious call 911 immediately!
Detective Thomas Bell
104th Precinct Community Affairs
64-02 Catalpa Avenue
Ridgewood, NY, 11385
Phone (718)386-2431
Fax (718)386-2662
[email protected]