AARP Online Community: AARPCT - AARP SCAM ALERT: Protect Yourself from "Diversion" Scams

AARPCT

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Name: AARPCT

Location:
Hartford, Connecticut
United States

Work:
AARP Connecticut State Office (866) 295-7279 toll-free

Hometown(s):
AARP Connecticut 21 Oak St., Suite 104 Hartford, Conn. 06106

My Websites:
http://www.aarp.org/ct
www.ctretiredteachers.org

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"What We Do, We Do For All" - Ethel Percy Andrus (founder, AARP)

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AARP SCAM ALERT: Protect Yourself from "Diversion" Scams

Recent news reports in Connecticut indicate a rise in the number of "diversion" type burglaries being attempted around the state. Reports of this type of activity have been reported recently in Waterford, Orange and Milford. Read more below to find out how to protect yourself from this growing type of scam.

Elderly homeowners in Milford and Orange were lured from their homes by a woman posing as a utility company worker. Police in Milford are investigating what they called a “diversion” type burglary around noon Friday. The homeowner was tricked into going outside by a woman who falsely claimed there was to be an underground power line project in the area. She lured the man into the back yard, saying that was where the work was to take place. While the two were in the yard, another person apparently went into the house and took cash. A similar incident took place in Orange at about 4 p.m. that same day. Police indicated that cash also was taken from the home in Orange, apparently while the homeowner was outside. Police contacted United Illuminating Co. and confirmed that no underground power line work was scheduled to take place in either of the neighborhoods.

“Diversion” Scams: This type of scam/burglary also occurs when the weather is such that residents are working outside (like now!). A con artist will approach an intended victim and occupy his/her attention. A second con artist will then enter the residence. They will typically steal smaller transportable valuables such as cash, jewelry and silver.

Another variant occurs when a con artist asks a resident for a drink of water, to use the bathroom, or to use a telephone for an emergency. All the excuses are in an attempt to gain entrance to the residence. The subjects then attempt to divert the resident’s attention while an accomplice searches for valuables.

To avoid becoming a victim:

If a person you don’t know comes to your home, for any reason, no matter how innocent they appear or how reasonable the request may be, keep the person outside and the door between you and them secured. If he or she needs a drink, direct them elsewhere. If he or she needs to call someone, make the call for them;
When working outside, lock the doors not visible to you; and.
If you are approached by an individual claiming to work for a utility company or wishing to do repair work at your residence, ask to see proper identification and call the employer to verify their identity. Do not let he or she into the house!

If you suspect you are being targeted as part of a diversion scam, call your local police department immediately.