Other Fraud (Page 3)

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DISTRACTION THEFTS

People knock on your door, pretending to be utility company employees.  They offer  free energy assessments and ask to come in so they can inspect your home.  While taking measurements they steal valuable items.  This type of scam is know as the Distraction Scam because one thief distracts you while the other is doing the stealing.

PHONY DETECTIVES

Two men knock on your door claiming to be plainclothes policemen.  They are searching for escaped prisoners.  They say that the escapee mentioned your name and address to others who are now in custody.  They ask permission to look around the house or apartment. While one of them keeps you busy, the other steals valuables.

WOMEN IN DISTRESS

Two women knock on your door.  One says that the other is pregnant or needs assistance of some sort.  They ask to use the telephone.   While one is on the phone pretending to call for help, the other asks to use your bathroom.  Instead, she goes through the house and steals money, jewelry and other  valuables.  After the telephone call, a third accomplice shows up at the curb and drives them away.

SWEETHEART SCAMS (IN PERSON)

Someone befriends you and eventually professes to be in love with you.   Senior widows or widowers may often be lonely.  The immediate goal of the scammer is to obtain gifts and loans.  The long term goal is to secure control of your estate.   The “sweetheart” will try to convince you to grant them power of attorney, or make them the main beneficiary of your will.

SWEETHEART SCAMS (INTERNET AND TELEPHONE)

Someone (typically from overseas) has seen the information you post on a social networking or dating website.   This person uses email and phone to strike up a friendship which eventually blooms into a romance.  Once you are in love with the scammer, he will pretend to be in the hospital or in prison overseas and asks you to wire money.  This may happen repeatedly.

Acorn wishes to acknowledge the Office of the Attorney General of North Carolina for this valuable content.  If you think a loved one has been victimized, call the NC Attorney General office at 877-5NO-SCAM