Con Artists and How They Steal Your Money."Part 3
By Sgt. R. Thomas Hopkins - Public Information Officer

This article is the final entry in a series dedicated to informing everyone as to how 'con artists" steal your money. The Sunny Isles Beach Police Department investigates at least one type of scam or another on a monthly basis. As I have addressed in prior issues, scams are numerous, inventive and ever evolving. Although it is impossible to name every con game, the following list may help you form becoming a victim:

Bank Examiner: A "bank official" asks you to withdraw money for him to hold to lure an embezzler. Scam: Person takes the money and disappears. A real bank official would not require you to withdraw your own money.

Caper Cleaner: An ad or phone solicitation offer carpet cleaning at a great price based on a number of rooms. Scam: Once cleaned, the cleaner says the carpet was too worn or soled for the offer and charges more or overprices for additional rooms. Do not pay over agreed amount and report this consumer authorities and Better Business Bureau.

Charity/Religious Group: You are solicited by an organization you know nothing about. Scam: Group doesn't exist or only a very small fraction of the donation is actually received by the charity. Contribute only to legitimate organizations. Ask for a verified financial statement to verify authenticity.

Contest Winner: You are told you've won a prize but must send money to cover shipping, taxes or customs fees. Scam: You receive nothing or something of little value.

Land Sale: Promise of cheap land or retirement home in a gorgeous area. Scam: Site is poor and falsely advertised. Visit the site and only deal with reputable firms. Read all paperwork carefully for hidden charges.

Medical Products: You buy health, beauty or miracle cure products by mail: Scam: Product is untested, overpriced or worthless. Ask your doctor before ordering.

900 Numbers: Products are offered via a 900 number: Scam: The call costs more than the products are worth or you may be placed on hold to add to your bill. Avoid these calls.

Obituary: You were recently widowed; A C.O.D. package arrives for something your spouse ordered. Scam: The package contains a cheap product at a substantial price that was never ordered. Do not accept this package.

Pigeon Drop: A person says they found money or something of value and offers to share it with you. In order to show trust you are asked to place money in an envelope for safekeeping. You are distracted and the envelope is switched. You look and they're gone leaving you with an envelope full of paper. These opportunities are too good to be true.

Travel Club: Firm offers bargain airfare/hotel in a glamorous locale. Scam: Hidden charges and conditions, sky high rates for extras and the place is a dump. Check with a reputable travel agent and read all paperwork carefully.

Home Repair/Inspection: A contractor offers to repair, remodel, inspect or offers to do work using left over or overstocked materials at a discount for cash only. Scam: Unlicensed person does poor work with poor material. Check with State or County for License before awarding work.

Please share this information with family and friends because we can all become victims to these scams...If you suspect you are being targeted by the con artist. Call the police. The Sunny Isles Beach Police Department wishes to make this community free of these 'con artist.'

Please help us by protecting yourself. Take the following preventive measures before completing any deal.

Always take the time to read any contract or paper before signing.
Verify the legitimacy of companies, organizations and individuals.
Beware of offers that pressure you into an immediate response.
Do not be an impulse buyer
Do not give your social security or credit card account numbers to others.

 

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