Protect yourself from home burglary scams

 

Guest Post by Anita Alvarez

Cook County State’s Attorney

 

There have been numerous reports in the media lately of unsuspecting homeowners becoming the victims of scam artists.  While the set-up may vary, the end result is the same:  while the homeowner is distracted by one person, their partner sneaks in and steals money, jewelry, credit cards, and other easily grabbed valuables.

By being cautious and safety minded, you can lessen the chances of becoming a victim:

• Keep doors and windows locked.  With the warmer weather, it is a relief to open our doors and windows to let the fresh air in.  Before leaving doors and windows open, however, you should make sure your screens are not torn and remember to keep the doors and windows locked. This will make it difficult for someone to easily enter your home while you are momentarily distracted.

 

• Don’t be afraid to ask someone at your door for identification.  If someone shows up at your door, without a scheduled appointment, claiming to be from a utility company, ask to see their work identification.  Utility workers should be in uniform and have their i.d. displayed.  If you are not sure someone is actually from a utility company, don’t let them in.  Make sure the door is locked and then phone that particular utility, they will be able to tell you if someone is scheduled to be in your neighborhood.

 

• Always be leery of someone trying to lure you out of your home.  Some con artists will tell you about a home repair they specialize in and that they can do for a low price.  They then insist you come outside so they can show you it is needed on your house.  This is the standard set-up for these types of scams:  one person gets you to exit, while the other, who you most likely won’t see, enters and steals whatever valuable items they can quickly grab.

 

• Don’t leave valuables out in the open. Make sure you keep money, credit cards, checkbook, jewelry, etc. in a safe place and not out in the open where it is easily accessible to someone trying to grab and run.

 

• If you feel threatened, call the police.  Con artists can be persistent.  If you decline their request and ask them to leave and they don’t, tell them you are calling the police.  You will save yourself from becoming a victim and quite possibly also prevent your neighbors from becoming a victim by alerting authorities to their presence in the neighborhood.

Keeping these few safety tips in mind can make you more aware of the attempt of a potential scam and hopefully prevent you from becoming a victim.

Enjoy the warmer weather!