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September 5, 1996

Stay alert and avoid con games

Caddo Parish Sheriff Don Hathaway is again warning Caddo Parish citizens to be wary of "bargains" that really aren't bargains.

"The keys to preventing these con artists from ripping you off," the Sheriff said, "are being alert to any offer involving money or property that sounds too good to be true, being aware of the the most common con games and cooperating with law enforcement."

Sheriff Hathaway listed some of the most common con games and other forms of consumer crimes:

• Home repairs: The Con Game -- Con artists offer free inspection of consumer's roof, driveway, chimney or other items around the house that are subject to wear and tear. The con artist will tell the homeowner that repairs are necessary.
  The remedies -- Unless your home has been involved in a natural disaster such as a tornado or flood, don't even talk with unsolicited contractors. Deal only with local firms you know and, if in doubt, check with the Better Business Bureau before doing any business with the firm.
• Work at home: The Con Game -- The con artists (usually by telephone) offer work-at-home business schemes that require "only a small registration (or start-up) fee." You send in the fee and that's the last you hear.
  The Remedy -- Again, don't even talk with unsolicited callers, especially if they're offering something that requires you to send money in advance. If in doubt, check with the Better Business Bureau.
• Get Rich Quick: The Con Game -- The con artist offers a "sure thing" to double or triple your money, but "don't tell anyone about this, the opportunity is limited." All you need to do is give a sum of money -- quickly and quietly.
  The remedy -- Never get involved in a get-rich-quick scheme, especially one that is being done in secret. Discuss any large transaction with your banker.

The Sheriff outlined two other scams that are favorites of con artists:

• Exaggerated claims for health and medical products, such as cures for cancer or arthritis, hair restorers, quick weight loss. Before buying any cure-alls, check with your doctor, pharmacist or clinic.
• Gifts, free vacations or sweepstakes prizes -- all they need are details about your credit cards. Never give personal information -- social security, bank account, credit card or telephone calling card numbers -- to anyone over the telephone. No legitimate company will every call you and ask for such a number by telephone.

Sheriff Hathaway also listed some tips that will help consumers avoid con artists:

• Don't give credit cards, checkbooks or savings account passbooks to your housekeeper or caretaker. Don't make an employee a joint owner of your bank account or your property.
• Pay for handyman or yard work after it has been completed, not before.
• Beware of sales gimmicks, such as going into a store for a sale item and being talked into a more expensive item.
• Beware of a service or product that can keep you safe from misfortune.
• Be suspicious of high pressure sales tactics and tactics urging you to buy or sell "now," before you can think about it.

January 3, 1996

Sheriff alerts citizens to dangers of con artists

Caddo Parish Sheriff Don Hathaway said today the beginning of a new year "often triggers numerous con games and ruses designed to take advantage of unsuspecting people."

Anyone can be a victim, the Sheriff continued, "even a person who considers himself too intelligent or worldly to be conned."

Victims of fraud are often, but not always, older, female and live alone. Loneliness, willingness to help and a sense of charity are characteristics a con artist will exploit to gain a victim's cooperation.

"A con artist's objective is to exploit his victim's assets," Sheriff Hathaway said. "And, he'll usually obtain the unsuspecting cooperation of his victim to do so."

The most common con games are home improvements and repairs, debt consolidation, investments, postal fraud, contracts and medical quackery. The Sheriff offered some tips to help arm citizens against con artists:

• Be suspicious of extraordinary promises or a "bargain" no one can match.
• Always investigate before signing a contract or investing money.
• Do not discuss your personal finances or give cash to strangers.
• Notify the Sheriff's Office at 226-6555 about people offering questionable business propositions.

Because con artists are difficult to detect by looks alone, key words and expressions often used by them can act as warning signals. Some of them are: cash only, today only, haste, contests, get rich quick, secret or confidential plans and last chance.

These and other tips and cautions are covered in presentations made to community organizations by Caddo Parish sheriff's deputies. Senior Citizens Officer Jules Manson discusses fraud and con games frequently with senior citizens groups. Manson also works individually with seniors who have been victimized or believe they've been approached by a con artist. He may be contacted at the Sheriff's Office by calling 226-6794. Other community organizations wanting to learn more about the dangers of con artists may arrange a program by calling Millicent Montgomery at 226-6678.

"To safeguard against con artists and their schemes," Sheriff Hathaway concluded, "citizens should remember the adage, 'If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.'"

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