San Luis Obispo County Crime Stoppers

Our current economy has more and more senior citizens looking for work at home to either supplement their income or to assist a family member who is out of work. The work-at-home schemes vary. However, the scammer typically calls on the phone or makes contact via the internet, acts as an employer, and attempts to gain access to a bank account or your social security number. Many times work-at-home scammers have people pay upfront fees for materials or sales leads. Sadly, victims get nothing in return. Some signs of a work-at-home scam include: Promises to get you a job “guaranteed”; enticements of easy money; requests for upfront money.

Door-to-Door Sales Scams

Recently a senior citizen reported that two individuals came to the door selling magazines and if they were not interested in a magazine for themselves, the subscription may be donated to the military or a charity group. The senior allowed the individuals to come into the home (because they represented themselves as neighbors) and then the senior paid for the subscription with a check. The senior was later suspicious and reported the incident to law enforcement. Further research uncovered the magazine subscription company had numerous complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau. While many companies do sell door-to-door and are legitimate, some are not. It is important to remember never to buy on the spot and unless you know the solicitor, never allow them to enter your home.

NOTE: This includes 2010 U.S. Census employees that may come to your door. It is not necessary for the census employee to enter your home to conduct the census. Census employees are simply gathering names, ages, races and genders on the people living at your address. Scam artists may ask questions about your Social Security number and bank information. Don’t give out any personal financial information and if a census employee asks for a “donation,” don’t contribute because it is a scam.

Senior Internet Scams

Some common frauds directed toward senior citizens include phishing scams (cons sending emails or letters asking for you to update your personal information), foreign or domestic sweepstakes, lotteries, internet auctions, or charity frauds using solicitations via the internet. When you receive such a solicitation, never give out your personal information. Ask a relative, caretaker, friend or a member of law enforcement whether the solicitation is legitimate. As more and more seniors become internet savvy, the door is opened to scams.

For additional information or if you have questions, please contact the District Attorney’s Consumer Advisory Unit at (805) 781-5856 or visit the website: www.slocounty.ca.gov/DA.

ALSO, SEE THE "CENSUS INFO 2010" TAB (AT LEFT) FOR VALUABLE INFORMATION REGARDING THE CENSUS!