Don't Be A Crime Victim

The videotape of Madelyne Toogood apparently beating her child in a car in Indiana drew national attention to child abuse. It also drew attention to the group of people known as the "Irish Travelers." Irish Travelers are tight knit groups of people who live throughout the country. Many of them travel the country seeking home improvement work, many with the intent to defraud. But Irish Travelers are by no means the only people looking to defraud you. Here are some of the more common fraudulent schemes.

Home Improvement Scams. This scam has several variations involving people who show up at your door and offer to repair a part of your home, often your roof or your furnace. These people prey on the elderly by frightening them that their roof is about to fall in or their furnace might burn down their house, etc. Some of the scam artists ask for money up front and then disappear. Other times they charge an inflated price and do little work or very poor work. Moral: Never hire someone who shows up at your door to work on your house without thoroughly investigating the person. Ask for evidence of bonding and for references. Check their references, the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General's Office.

Magazine Sales. Another scam that often focuses on the elderly is magazine sales. We've all received the envelope telling us that we may already be a millionaire. Of course, we have to enter to win. It is not necessary to purchase magazines to enter, although many people believe that it is. After entering, you may receive bills for magazines you did not order. Older people who are having difficulty remembering things may believe they ordered the magazines and pay for them. Moral: The odds of winning the sweepstakes are extremely low, so you may want to throw it out. If you do enter, make a note of any magazines you order. If you receive invoices that are not correct, mark them "Cancel" and return them.

The Nigerian Bank Scam. This scam has been around for years but has found new life on the Internet. You are contacted by a person in Nigeria claiming to have millions of dollars that he needs to transfer to the United States because of government corruption in Nigeria. He promises you ten percent of the money if he can use your bank account and asks you to give him your account number. After you give him you account number, he empties your account and disappears or requests increasing amounts of money for bribes necessary to get the money out of Nigeria. Moral: Never, never, never give your bank account numbers, credit card numbers or any other personal information to someone who calls you or emails you. If you are interested in the product or service, ask that the company send you written information.

Scholarship Scams. A salesperson tells you that they can guarantee a scholarship for you or your child. All they need is your credit card number or bank account number to "hold" the scholarship. Like the Nigerian scam, your money disappears, and no scholarship is forthcoming.

Work at Home Schemes. We've all seen the fliers -- "Work at Home and Earn Thousands Every Month." If you call the number on the flier, you will likely be sold a "kit" to teach you the business in question. Worse, you may be told you need to attend training seminars or buy equipment. The seller does not provide any customers or orders for you. Usually you are left with a worthless business. The promoter makes all the money by selling the kits.

What do all of these scams have in common? Easy money. It's a cliche, but it's true: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Think about it. Why did this great deal fall in your lap? How did this person find you? Isn't it more likely that this person is offering this "deal" to everyone he can find? If money were easy, we would all be rich. If you could take a magic pill and burn fat, we would all be thin. Life doesn't work that way, and you know it. Don't let someone convince you otherwise.

If you have a tendency to be persuaded by salesman because you are elderly or ill or for any other reason, take steps to secure your assets. Do not keep cash at home. Place your assets in a living trust or under a power of attorney with a person or bank whom you trust. Do not be embarrassed to ask for help. It is the smart thing to do to protect yourself.

What do you do if you have been a victim of a fraud or an overly aggressive sales pitch? Illinois law gives consumers a three day right to cancel an order when you have been solicited in your home and the purchase amount is greater at least $25. In order to exercise your right to cancel, you must notify the seller in writing within three business days, which may include week ends in some circumstances. In order to prove the date of mailing, you should send the notice certified mail/return receipt requested. The seller has ten days from the date he receives your notice to refund any deposit or other payment you made. Of course, you must return any merchandise that you received from the seller.

If you have been defrauded, call the Attorney General's office at 800-243-0618. In addition, you may want to call the Springfield Police Department to alert them to people targeting your neighborhood. Don't be a victim, and help others not be victims as well.