Perpetrators tend to target homes that have a single chair in the garage or on the driveway or porch facing out towards the street, or properties with poorly maintained landscapes. They may also approach senior citizens sitting outside or in the back yard.
These scammers will claim to be a city worker, home improvement contractor, utilities employee, or even a tree trimming contractor hired by the village. We urge all homeowners to be cautious and to never allow strangers into their homes. If you suspect someone of being a scammer, please contact the authorities immediately.
As a community, we must work together to protect our elderly neighbors. We want to alert you to be vigilant of vehicles that have no identifiable company, city logos, or lettering pulling up to your elderly neighbor's house. These vehicles may have individuals knocking on the door or approaching senior citizens who are already outside on their property.
As much as we want to believe that everyone has good intentions, there are people out there who are looking to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners, especially seniors. One of the most common ways they do this is by posing as workers contracted by the town or city. Once they have the homeowner's attention, they will try to lure them away from the main living area, giving a second actor the opportunity to access the house undetected and search for valuables.
To protect yourself from these home invasion scams, be wary of anyone who shows up unannounced claiming to be a contractor or worker for the towncity. Always ask for identification and verify their credentials before allowing them into your home. If they refuse, do not let them in. If you feel uncomfortable or suspicious, call the police immediately. They often wear safety vests and carry clipboards to appear legitimate. However, their true intention is to steal from unsuspecting victims.
As responsible members of our community, it is important to look out for one another and lend a helping hand when needed. If you find yourself outside and witness a situation where your neighbor requires assistance, don't hesitate to call 911 and also try to gain their attention to let them know that they are not alone and that you are there to support them. Your presence can provide them with the comfort and reassurance they need during a stressful time. Let us all strive to be good neighbors and helpful citizens who care about the safety and well-being of our community.