The classic
door-to-door scam lives on ...
If you just happen to be
at home during the day, there is at least a 50/50 chance that you will encounter
a door-to-door sales person. Though some
of them are honest with good intentions, there is also a good chance that
others are prepared to rip you off.
Perhaps they're selling
home improvement services such as storm windows or siding. Maybe it's products to furnish you
kitchen. It could be magazines, living
trusts or funeral contracts. They may
want to sweep your chimney, clean your gutters or touch up the finish on your
front porch. While these services may be
of use, it is very important to remain weary of these people. After reading this, you'll be relieved that
you made the decision not to let them in.
Whether male or female,
door-to-door scam artists are usually friendly and very charming. Their demeanor is warm, their smiles rather
inviting. They train themselves to
appear as honest as possible in order to pull off these deceptive schemes.
Characteristics of
door-to-door scam artists:
- You are greeted by
name, an attempt to establish a trusting relationship. A scammer may acquire this information by
sifting through your mail or via a directory listing.
- They will use a variety
of tricks to slide into your home.
Perhaps they pretend to be a technician from your utility company and
would like to test your furnace, water pressure or electricity. Maybe they would like to demonstrate how a
product or service works. Never allow a
creative story to diminish your level of caution on whom you decide to let in
your home.
- Many of them will
approach you outside of the home, leaving you with nowhere to hide and no doors
to close.
- They usually want cash
up front for their products or services.
Some of them will accept a check and cash it before you even have chance
to change your mind and stop payment on it.
- A door-to-door scam
artist will use social engineering tactics to play on your sympathy. They will attempt to make you feel horrible
for not making the purchase, explaining that kids in some third-world country
will go hungry; they may even throw your own family into the mix.
- They will claim to have
been strictly assigned to work in your area.
When asked for past clients, the scammer responds by telling you that
information is confidential.
Protecting Yourself
You can protect yourself
by never allowing anyone that you do not know into your home. Regardless of how legitimate the product may
seem, it is more than okay to refuse and send them on their way. In order to spare their feelings and not
appear rude, you can tell them that you would first like to inquire with a
spouse or other family members. Since
honesty is never a bad route, you can also tell them that you are not ready to
make such a decision or commitment at the time.
If a sales pitch does
sound interesting, and many of them will, be sure that you ask to view the
salesperson's credentials. Many
neighborhood communities require that these individuals have a license or
permit when making such propositions. If
they provide a document, look for a phone number and call the business office
that distributes such permits in your area.
Simply using a number given from their wallet is likely to lead you to
another scam artist helping to cover their tracks.
