 THE CON ARTISTS "Con artists" operate on the principle that their victims deserve their fate. Either male or female, con artists are clever actors hiding behind the "friendly person" image. They are shrewd operators whose schemes, based on trickery and deceit, are aimed at swindling you out of your money or your property. They have no feelings of guilt regarding what effect their "scams" will have on their victims. Con artists believe that in every person there is a little bit of greed and this greed is the key to the successful con. Generally, people believe it cannot happen to them. Those who have been victimized by a con wonder "How could this happen to me?" This page provides you with information on some of the most common swindles and how to recognize a potential "con". Arming yourself with some knowledge of how the con artist operates will help reduce your chances of becoming a victim. The con artist will be a stranger to you. You could be approached on the street, by telephone or in your home. Usually you are approached when alone, so that no one else can overhear the conversation. A con artist's approach can take many forms; he/she may pretend to be lost and ask for directions or may claim to be a salesperson or an inspector of a utility company. One thing that is common to all con artists and their swindles is the language and the expressions used in their "pitches". The following key words can signal you to be cautious or suspicious of the person you are dealing with.  CASH ONLY Question why the transaction requires cash only. Why not a cheque? A legitimate business person would not refuse a cheque as payment. LAST CHANCE /TODAY ONLY Why is this offer so limited? If the offer is that good, it will very likely be available tomorrow and the day after. TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE Be suspicious of offers that are "too good to be true". Most likely they are neither good nor true!. SOMETHING FOR NOTHING Anytime you are offered something for nothing, what you usually get is nothing! CONFIDENTIALITY Be suspicious of secrecy and the pitch that you are not to tell anyone. What is the reason for the secrecy? GET RICH QUICK Any get-rich-quick deal should be looked into carefully. CONTESTS Beware of the "you have won" pitches. Generally, the contests are fake and are used as an enticement to part you from your money. LEFT-OVER MATERIAL Be extremely cautious of the "just passing by" home repairman. The left-over material offered may be stolen or defective. PRESSURE/HASTE Pressure or haste is an important factor in most cons. Like the "last chance" or "too good to be true" lines, the con depends upon you not wanting to miss out on a bargain. Be suspicious of any pressure tactics. It is not possible to note all of the fraudulent schemes used by con artists. The following list gives the more common "con games" and briefly describes how they work. HOME IMPROVEMENT Frauds under this theme come in various forms and are the most commonly used, particularly against seniors. For example, the following scenario typifies how one may be approached. A travelling repair person knocks on your door and states that while driving by he or she noticed that the brick work on your home is deteriorating, your chimney is about to fall apart, your house needs painting or the porch needs repairs and new steps. This person just happens to have left-over material from another job and can do your repair work at a considerable savings. Beware of this type of offer from a stranger. Legitimate people in the repair business do not usually operate in this manner. Resist the impulse to grab this "bargain". When in doubt, check the offer with your local R.C.M.P., Better Business Bureau or with a reputable company that supplies a similar service or materials. BUNCO SCHEMES Bunco schemes come in various forms: two of the most common ones are referred to as the "pigeon drop" and the "bank examiner". Although it is difficult to believe that people are taken in by these schemes, they have had a reasonable degree of success. Prime targets for these schemes are elderly people, particularly women. CONSUMER FRAUDS Fake Contests - These involve winning a prize in a fake contest. This is a come-on to involve you in a transaction that will part you from your money. Misleading Ads - For $19.95 you can purchase this 9 x 12 rug. Order early as supplies are limited. You forward your money order or certified cheque. If you do receive your rug, it is 9 x 12 inches, not feet as you thought. Read your advertisements carefully. Home Improvement Offers - These are commonly made through the mail and this type of offer must be read and examined very carefully. When in doubt check with your local R.C.M.P. or Better Business Bureau. Retirement Estates/Property - Be suspicious of this type of advertisement in papers, magazines or brochures. A quick call to a reputable realtor or the Better Business Bureau may save you financial grief. MEDICAL FRAUDS Avoid miracle cures, laboratory tests and mail order clinics usually found in magazine ads. There are no miracle cures for cancer, arthritis or any other disease for that matter. If you suffer from a particular ailment, seek the advice and services of qualified medical practitioners. Bogus medical treatment offered through the mail should be reported to your physician or local medical authorities. CONTRACTS Never sign a contract unless you know and understand exactly what you are signing. Do not fall for the pitch from the salesperson: "It is just a formality; there is nothing to be concerned about", or "It is for your protection". If you have any doubts about a contract, seek advice from your lawyer, banker or someone who has some expertise with contracts. There may be clauses in the contract that go beyond what you have been verbally led to believe. Once you have signed, the contract is binding and you are obligated to meet the terms of the agreement. Even if the contract is questionable, for you to break the contract may require expensive legal advice. Before you sign, be certain. PREVENT CRIME THROUGH EDUCATION AND AWARENESS Research indicates that most crimes against seniors are committed by the opportunist. Education and awareness of some preventive techniques can help you recognize a potential crime situation and allow positive action to be taken that will reduce or remove the risk. Research also indicates that for many seniors one of the biggest concerns is the fear of victimization. But it is difficult to prevent something from happening if you do not know what it is you are attempting to prevent. This page is meant to give you some idea of the crimes that are most likely to affect YOU. There is evidence that some people who have been victimized are too embarrassed to report the incident to the authorities. For your own well-being and to help prevent others from becoming victims, if you have been victimized (or THINK you have been) TO YOUR LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT. |
Used with permission
& 
by Sheba