I have received a number of calls and e-mails regarding scams.
Most recently Brentwood residents are receiving calls from shipping/delivery companies.
The caller advises the Brentwood resident that he or she is about to receive a delivery within the next hour, with an outstanding balance for shipping of $250.00. The caller asks for the payment in cash. They are calling to verify that someone will be at home with the cash.
Ask for shipping company name, address and telephone numbers.
As well as, sender name, address, and telephone numbers.
Make calls, check the names out on the “web.†And never pay for shipping at your door, unless you set it up.
OTHER FRAUD AND CON-GAMES
• If you are offered a deal that sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Most people think they could not be tricked, fooled or conned into handing over money for fraudulent deals. But it happens often. Con artists are experts in human psychology and behavior.
They know how to gain your confidence with smooth talk and a self-assured manner. High-pressure sales are another ploy used by con artists. You can’t recognize a con artist by the way someone looks or dresses, but you can be on the alert for con artists and consumer frauds.
Telemarketing is a common method of stealing from senior citizens. Telephone fraud con artists spend a lot of time “polishing†their lines for enticing seniors to buy. Here are some tips that can alert you to telemarketing scams:
• You must act now!
• You’ve won a “free†gift or
vacation.
• Pay only postage and handling.
• You must send money, give a
credit card number, a bank
account number or have a
check picked up by a carrier
before you have a chance to
carefully consider the offer.
• You don’t need to research
their company with anyone,
including a lawyer, accountant,
Better Business Bureau or
other consumer protection
agency.
• You don’t need written
information about their
company or references.
• You can’t afford to miss this
“high profit, no risk†offer.
REMEMBER! The most
successful con games are old
schemes with new twists. There are many schemes and variations to the same scheme. If you hear these or similar lines, investigate further.
Brentwood Area Senior Lead
Officer Phillip L. Enbody
West Los Angeles Division
