NCJ Number
55860
Journal
ILLINOIS POLICE OFFICE Volume: 9 Issue: 2 Dated: (SUMMER 1978) Pages: 43,45,47,49
Date Published
1978
Length
4 pages
Annotation
ADVICE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS IN HOW TO AVOID BEING TAKEN IN BY CONFIDENCE MEN INCLUDES DEALING WITH PERSONS POSING AS REPAIRMEN, SALESMEN, FORTUNE TELLERS, ATTORNEYS, AND BUSINESS PARTNERS.
Abstract
IN HOUSE REPAIRS, STRANGERS SHOULD NOT INSPECT THE HOUSE; THEY SHOULD DESCRIBE THE EXTENT AND COST OF THE WORK. STRANGERS WITH 'SOMETHING FOR NOTHING' PROPOSITIONS OR MONEYMAKING SCHEMES SHOULD BE IGNORED. PERSONS RECEIVING NOTIFICATION OF LARGE INHERITANCES AND REQUESTS FOR LEGAL FEES SHOULD CONTACT THEIR OWN LAWYERS. SIMILARLY, IT IS WISE TO CALL THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU OR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WHEN ADVERTISERS OF WORK-AT-HOME BUSINESSES REQUIRE PURCHASES OF STARTING KITS AND SUPPLIES. IT IS ALSO WISE TO BE SUSPICIOUS OF STRANGERS WHO OFFER EASY MONEY OR OF ANY BUSINESS PROPOSITION THAT INVOLVES AN INITIAL CASH OUTLAY. TO AVOID AUTOMOBILE THEFT OPERATIONS, VEHICLES FOR SALE SHOULD BE INSPECTED TO SEE IF THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN) HAS BEEN ALTERED OR CHANGED. TO AVOID PAYING MONEY TO FORTUNE TELLERS, PERSONS SHOULD TALK OVER PROBLEMS WITH TRUSTED FRIENDS, CLERGY, OR LAWYERS. IT IS WISE TO CHECK TRAVEL AGREEMENTS CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING, AVOID TRAVEL AGENCY SHAMS, AND ASK FORMER TRAVEL AGENCY CLIENTS ABOUT ANY BUSINESS PROPOSITIONS. (DEP)