BATON ROUGE, LA –
With an increase in reports of door-to-door scams, Attorney General Jeff Landry
is urging Louisiana residents to use caution if someone shows up at their doors
offering a service or product at an incredibly low price. General Landry warns
it could be a con artist trying to scam you.
“It is very common for scam artists to go door-to-door
trying to make a quick dollar; but understanding how to spot and stop
door-to-door scam artists can protect consumers from becoming fraud victims,”
said General Landry.
General Landry points out these common forms of fraud
regarding door-to-door solicitations:
Home Repair Scams
A handyman offers to make minor repairs to your home,
clean your yard, or repair your driveway for next to nothing – claiming that he
and his partner just want to get rid of the leftover material from the job they
just finished down the street. The con artist takes a cash payment from you
upfront and never returns.
“Free” Energy Audits
A couple claiming to be with your utility company shows
up at your door unannounced, saying they have come to conduct a free inspection
to see how much energy your home wastes. Once inside, one diverts you while the
other scoops up valuables.
Survey Scam
You open the door to someone who claims to be doing
a survey. It sounds plausible, so you invite the person in. What you don’t
realize is that the survey is a trick. The scammer is collecting your personal
information to steal your identity. They may also be taking a good look at
possessions to steal or thinking of ways to disable or evade your security
system.
Home Security System Scam
Unscrupulous door-to-door sales agents use a variety
of approaches and pitches to get you to buy an alarm system and monitoring
services. They may make a high-pressure, time-limited offer – claiming that you
need to act now. They may also try to get you to sign a contract by telling you
that the equipment is "free." More than likely, strings are attached.
For example, to get your "free" alarm, you may have to sign a
long-term and expensive monitoring contract.
So General Landry encourages Louisiana citizens to
follow a few tips:
- Do not let anyone come into your home unless
you have a prescheduled appointment. You are under no obligation to answer
your doorbell. Call local law enforcement if you feel threatened or the
person refuses to leave.
- Do not pay cash to anyone who comes to your
home claiming to be with a utility company or other service provider.
- Confirm any special offers with your service
provider, using the number on your bill or their website.
- Know your rights and read the fine print. Be
sure you read and understand all contracts before you sign them. Get the
terms and a copy of the contract in writing.
For more tips to
avoid scams, visit www.AGJeffLandry.com or call Attorney
General Jeff Landry’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-351-4889.
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