| Every year unsuspecting citizens are swindled
out of their savings by con artists; smooth talking, often convincing
criminals who seek by various schemes to separate honest people from their
money.
While these criminals prey primarily on the elderly, every one of us is
susceptible; men and women, the successful and the unemployed, working
people and the retired. You could be approached by a con artist almost
anywhere (out-side a bank or savings and loan, at a bus stop, at a Senior
Citizens meeting, while you're shopping, or at your home).
While approaches may vary, and the con artist may appear perfectly normal
and friendly, there inevitably comes a time when you will be asked to
withdraw money from your savings. The reason for this may seem logical; to
show your "good faith"...to help in the investigation of a "dishonest
employee." BE ON YOUR GUARD. If you do turn over money to
one of these people, even for a moment, you will never see it again.
The following are three common "bunco" schemes:
THE EXAMINER SCHEME - If a stranger tells you that he
or she is an examiner or investigator and asks you to help catch a
dishonest employee, BEWARE. If you seem interested, the
con artist will say he or she will re-deposit your money in such a way
that the "dishonest" teller will be caught red-handed. The phony examiner
will pick up your money and give you a fake receipt, never to be seen or
heard from again A simple preventative measure would be to call and check
with your financial institution before doing anything. Banks never involve
their account holders in investigations.
THE PIGEON DROP SCHEME - If a stranger or strangers
tell you they have found some money, and try to convince you that it was
ill gotten by the loser (maybe a gambler) and can be kept, BEWARE.
You will be told you may share the find if you withdraw money from your
savings to show "good faith" and responsibility. You may think you have
your money in view, but the envelope or bag will be quickly switched. Only
on going back to re-deposit your money do you discover you have only
pieces of blank paper.
THE AUTOMOBILE AND HOME REPAIR SCHEME - Vagabond
thieves frequently do auto body repair work to earn extra money. They will
drive around town looking for dented vehicles and, after locating one and
its owner, they inform the owner that they can make the repairs cheaply.
After the work is done the thieves may then say the job was complicated
and charge an exorbitant fee. Vagabond thieves also use various
introductory statements to induce home owners to allow them to repair or
tar roofs, or resurface driveways.
HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM
- DON'T discuss your personal finances with strangers.
- DON'T withdraw cash at the suggestion of someone you don't know.
- DON'T accept that a person is official or legitimate without checking
first.
- DON'T believe stories that sound too good to be true, invariably
they're not.
- DON'T be embarrassed to report that you have been victimized.
- DO call the police if approached with any story similar to those
described in this article. Phone the Pawnee Police Department at
(918)762-3166.
- DO testify in court, if asked, to help stop this kind of crime.
- DO tell your friends and neighbors about bunco schemes.
The Pawnee Police Department encourages residents and business groups to
invite guest speakers to discuss this and other crime prevention topics.
Call the Community Relations Unit at (918)762-3166 for more information. |