Tip of the Day: People over age 60 are the largest group of scam victims. In 2021, 92,371 over age 60 victims lost $1.7 billion. That was a 74% increase from 2020. In 2022, 88,262 over age 60 victims lost $3.1 billion. An 84% increase from 2021. Articles with suggestions abound: Consumer Reports, AARP, newspapers, TV, etc.
Attempted Theft: A resident was walking home from her mailbox on Violet Ln when a black (SUV-type) vehicle slowly approached her. A man driving the vehicle said he needed directions. The vehicle then turned around and parked next to the sidewalk. A woman passenger rolled down the window and the resident gave them directions. The woman said that today (the day of this incident Saturday, July 29th around 2:00 PM) was her birthday and that she was 45 yrs old. The resident wished her a Happy Birthday. At this point the woman took the resident’s hand and proceeded to kiss her hand. The resident told the woman that her birthday was the next day. The woman then gave the resident a large fake gold ring and put a large gold chain around the resident’s neck. The resident became suspicious as this woman was fumbling around for some time allegedly trying to hook this chain. The resident immediately felt for her own necklace and it was gone. She looked at the woman’s hand which was clenched and observed her chain partially hanging out of the clenched fist. The resident grabbed the woman’s hand and forcefully took back her necklace. The resident then walked away and went into her house. The resident called the Lincoln Police Department. They came out, took a report and advised her that this was the 3rd such incident in SCLH that day. In one case one woman had lost her jewelry. (V10B backs to Sun City, golf course & open space, entrances are Tiger Lily & Hawthorne, off Sun City)
Suspects: One male and one female. Both had dark complexions and both were “a little on the heavy side”. The female wore a scarf wrapped around her head. She stated that she was 45yrs old. They had stated that they were from Dubai.
Suspect Vehicle: Black (SUV type) vehicle
When approached by a stranger on the street, in a shopping center or, as indicated above, a vehicle, keep your distance. Be friendly but firm if asked to approach closer.
Passport Application Scam: One of our residents was preparing for a trip out of the country and needed a passport. She had her daughter go online and Google search for passport information. A website immediately popped up indicating passport assistance. The daughter contacted the person listed on the website and gave that person the resident’s personal information. When this scammer stated that there was a $38 dollar fee and that he would need the credit card number and banking information the daughter became suspicious and hung up.
Scammers are on the Web just waiting for someone to do a search for something. Always go directly to the company’s website. This includes airlines, owner’s manuals for products or appliances etc. Look for the name of the company in the web address and a padlock indicating a secure website. If it is a government site, the address will be followed by .GOV.
The ADT scam is still going on: A resident recently answered the door to a man who said he was from ADT & that her panel needed updating. He made an appointment to come back with a new panel. After he finished his installation, he gave a business card from Brinks. Now she is having to fight with both companies about double billing.
He will likely be going to more houses with an ADT sign. Try to get a description of the scammer’s vehicle. Call Curator at 916 771-7185 to request they look for the scammer.
There are individuals who will try all types of deception in an effort to get you to open your door. Never open your door to a stranger. Talk to them through the door or a side window. Once you open the door you lose that physical barrier of protection!!