Door-to-Door Solicitor Scams ::: Tips to Avoid Being Scammed



	Tips to Avoid a Scam: 1. The Golden Rule When an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. 2. Keep Personal Info Private Never give your bank account, social security, or credit card numbers to anyone you don’t know and trust. 3. Avoid High Pressure Sales Say no to any offer or deal that is only available right now. 4. Never Pay for a Prize If you are offered a prize but are asked to pay a “processing fee” or “taxes in advance,”it is likely a scam. You shouldn’t have to pay anything to win a free prize. If you’re still not sure whether it's a scam, call our Scam Hotline at (858) 715-1648.				Scam Menu: Door-to-Door Solicitor Scams Tips to Avoid Being Scammed Scams abound on the Internet, television, and sometimes on your phone. Unfortunately, even if you avoid these mediums, scams may still find you at your front door. In all of the scenarios below, remember the following: Avoid high-pressure sales tactics! If an offer is too good to be true, it probably is! Here are some of the scams to look out for: Home Improvement Scam Charity Scam Fruit Basket Scam Foreclosure Scam Home Improvement Scam Many scammers find their victims by claiming to be home repairmen. As often happens, a person knocks on your door and explains that he is an experienced carpenter (roofer, plumber, etc) and happened to notice damage to your home. He offers to repair it at a discounted rate for payment in advance. Don’t fall for this. Many times, there is nothing wrong with your home, or least nothing that needs urgent repair. Additionally, these folks are rarely licensed contractors and sometimes are licensed but not for the type of work they claim you need done. All licensed contractors have a pocket license that is a wallet-sized document detailing their license number and the type of work they are qualified to do. If they cannot produce such a license, they are a fraud. Additionally, if they do have a pocket license, ask to see their driver’s license or another State of California issued form of identification. Make sure the name on their i.d. and the name on the pocket license are the same. Moreover, if their i.d. matches and they have a license number, confirm it is still in good standing by checking with the Contractors State License Board. You can visit their website or call 1-800-321-2752. If all of this checks out, make sure to check their references. A legitimate contractor should have plenty of satisfied customers to provide reference on their quality of work. Finally, know your rights as a consumer. A contractor cannot demand more than 10% of the total cost of the job or $1,000 (whichever is less) upfront. The exceptions are if the contractor provides a bond, approved bond equivalent or approved joint control ensuring completion of your contract. Do not be pressured into paying cash upfront. To do so means you will have little to no work done before the repairman runs off with your money. If you decide to accept this person to do repairs, ALWAYS get it in writing. A contractor that refuses to write up a contract will likely perform a poor job, if they do any work at all. Charity Scam Charity scams can be the most disappointing. Many donate because they want to help their fellow man (or favorite animal) and it makes them feel good. But, when scammers play on your desire to help those in need, it can be difficult to discerner the real from the fake. When people collecting for charities stop at your door, be prepared to ask questions. Real charities will be able to tell you how they use their donations and what portion of your contribution will go directly to the group they are trying to help. If they cannot answer those questions, don’t give them your money. Be especially cautious of new charities that spring up after natural disasters or around the holidays. Both occasions bring out the generosity in all of us as well as the greediness of scammers. Be careful of donations for police and firefighters. Many scammers pretend to be collecting for these groups. Check with the local police or fire departments before your give away your money. Be aware of the scammer’s favorite trick, the “sound alike” charity. Scammers are clever when it comes to inventing names for nonexistent charities that sound remarkably similar to real charities. When in doubt, check them out at the Better Business Bureau’s website. Fruit Basket Scam You come home after a long day and see a note card on your door. It says you will receive a free fruit basket – all you have to do is call the number on the card. While it may be tempting, know that you will never receive the promised gift. Unscrupulous companies use this tactic to get unsuspecting people to call and make an appointment to receive a vacuum cleaner demonstration or other carpet cleaning service. They will use high-pressure sales tactics to get you to buy and then make it difficult to return your purchase, should you desire to do so. Unless you know someone is sending you a fruit basket or the note left for you is from a reputable company, please do not call these people. Foreclosure Scam Many people are facing uncertainty when it comes to their financial future. Scammers seize this as a chance to profit off your financial insecurities. As soon as your lender files a foreclosure notice, your information becomes public, opening the door to scammers. If your home is being foreclosed and someone solicits you at your home, offering to aid in the prevention or stopping of the foreclosure, beware. Mortgage and foreclosure scams are complicated and nuanced, with entire websites dedicated to their prevention. Here are just a few of them: http://www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/foreclosurescamtips/default.htm http://www.fraudguides.com/mortgage-foreclosure-rescue-scam.asp http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre42.pdf Never sign anything of which you are unsure. Scammers may try to get you to sign a Quit Claim Deed. By signing this document, you give them your house! Even if you wanted to do that, you are still obligated to pay the mortgage. Remember, legitimate companies will want you to take time to think about such big decisions and to talk it over with a loved one or your attorney. If someone is pressuring you to sign right away, you should walk away. For further information, feel free to call Elder Law and Advocacy’s newest nonprofit program Senior Shield at their Scam Hotline (858) 715-1648 for advice and helpful resources. Scam Menu: