Dear Reader,
Earlier this year, a group of unknown people went door to door in a Las Vegas neighborhood claiming to be with the local water authority. They asked for permission to enter each home to test the water.
Now, according to the Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD), these people were not employees of the utility company — an actual employee would never ask to enter your home. Furthermore, LVVWD said if an employee does knock on your door, they should be wearing a uniform and have a visible ID badge.
While no specific crimes have been tied to this suspicious activity, the fact is these people were probably casing homes, looking for crimes of opportunity.
It’s a common scam — criminals know to use things like utilities as a cover because it seems plausible enough. And because utilities are so important to our everyday lives.
The thing is most utility companies would never need to enter your home, since most of their work can be done remotely or outside. So if someone ever knocks on your door and says they’re from a utility company, I recommend calling the company and verifying the employee’s identity.
Here are three other common door-to-door scams occurring around the country with greater frequency. Watch out for these people who are not who they say they are…
1) Free Home Security System — The thing about most door-to-door scammers is that they pretend to be from legitimate companies that often do go door to door. There are many real security companies who will come to your door selling home security systems. Criminals know this and will act as if they’re with a security company working in the area. Often, they will say there have been a spate of recent burglaries in your neighborhood to scare you into buying their system. The problem is if you let these criminals into your home for a “free consultation,” they will use the opportunity to look for valuables or easy ways to break in later.
2) Tree Trimming/Yardwork — This ploy targets people who are working outside their home. These scammers will approach you while you are gardening, mowing or raking leaves and tell you that they can do your yardwork for you. I’ve even heard stories where these people immediately start helping you with your work. This is so their partner in crime can enter your home while you are distracted talking to the person who has offered to help you with your yardwork.
3) Free Energy Audit — Similar to utility company imposters, these criminals will knock on your door and offer to perform a free energy audit. They will claim to be able to tell you where energy is being wasted around your home and how you can save money. They may allege to be part of a utility company, but most companies would never stop by your home unannounced — they’d come only if you called and scheduled an appointment. This is another scam where criminals work in pairs. One thief will distract you while the other person cases your home.
As spring turns into summer and the weather gets warmer, you will start to see more door-to-door salespeople. And with criminals these days becoming more and more brazen, it’s crucial to be extra cautious when a stranger approaches your home.
If someone knocks on your door offering a service you are actually interested in, ask the person at the door to wait while you call the company they say they are from. Look up the company’s phone number yourself and call to verify that the person at your door is an actual employee.
And keep in mind that one of the main techniques these criminals use to successfully scam you is to try to scare, intimidate or confuse you. Never be afraid to ask questions.
Stay safe,
Jason Hanson
