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5/26/2010

SCAM ALERT

May 26, 2010

The Salina Police
Department will begin issuing periodic scam alerts, informing the public of
specific fraudulent activity occurring in Salina.  As summer approaches, this is the first general alert, applicable
to a variety of frauds, cons and confidence schemes, commonly perpetrated to
entice an unsuspecting person to part with his or her hard-earned money. 

Potential victims
may be contacted in person on the street, at home through door-to-door
solicitations, or via the telephone, mail or internet.  Citizens should be suspicious of ANY plan, idea, scheme, business deal, or
proposition that requires you to provide or send money, make a financial
decision, or sign a contract on short notice. The following tips are intended
to improve your chances of not becoming the victim of a scam:

• REALIZE
  scam artists are extremely convincing professionals.  To them, everyone is a potential mark,
  and they especially prey on senior citizens.  Victims frequently tell investigating officers, “I never
  thought I could or would be victimized.”
• SUSPECT
  all “Get Rich Fast” schemes.  “If it sounds too good to be true, it is,” and you are
  most likely being scammed.
• NEVER
  allow strangers inside your home, and ALWAYS lock your doors (both the front and back) when
  doing yard work, getting the mail, or anytime you go outside.
• BE SUSPICIOUS of all
  “door- to-door”
  (magazine, alarm company, etc.) peddlers/solicitors.
• ASK door-to-door
  peddlers and solicitors to produce the identification badge issued by the
  City of Salina, which must be conspicuously worn while the permittee is
  soliciting or peddling in the city. 
  It is unlawful for any person 18 years of age or older to peddle or
  solicit without first obtaining a permit issued by the city clerk, and the
  activity is not allowed between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.  Note: The city issued identification badge is not an
  endorsement by the City of Salina.     
• AGGRESSIVE peddling or soliciting is unlawful.  If the activity continues after you have made a negative
  response and you feel threatened or intimidated, dial 9-1-1.
• DISPLAY
  a “No Peddlers/ Solicitors” sign at the primary entrance of your
  residence if you prefer not to be contacted.  Once posted, all unsolicited peddler or solicitor contact
  is unlawful.  
• BE WARY
  of any unexpected contact with strangers (in person or by any other
  means).
• BEWARE of
  unsolicited home repairmen. Be suspicious of anyone knocking at your door
  asking to make repairs to your home and/or asking to pave or seal your
  driveway, repair your roof, trim your trees, or treat your home for
  termites.
• CHECK with
  the City of Salina (call 309-5720) to see if the repair person or business you are considering hiring
  is licensed.  
• ASK
  for local references and call them. 
  
• GET
  several repair estimates and compare prices. 
• ALWAYS TALK with a trusted friend or relative before making
  major money decisions.  
• BE VERY SUSPICIOUS of high pressure sales tactics.  
• PAY BY CHECK so you can stop payment if dissatisfied; NEVER PAY CASH.
• PRINT
  “Deposit Only” on
  the back of personal checks to create a “paper trail.”  
• BE SURE
  the work is completed to your satisfaction before you pay.  
• NEVER
  sign any contract or agreement without carefully checking it.   
• BE SURE
  you understand and agree to all provisions in a contract or sales agreement.
    If you don’t understand
  the fine print, seek assistance from legal counsel or someone you trust. 
• REMEMBER, by law you have three days to cancel a door-to-door contract/agreement to purchase, and the
  door-to-door seller must advise of your right to cancel in writing.   
• WRITE DOWN the license plate number of any suspicious vehicle(s) the
  suspect(s) may be operating.

IMMEDIATELY CALL THE SALINA POLICE DEPARTMENT TO REPORT
A SUSPICIOUS PERSON OR SUSPECTED FRAUD!