CRIME PREVENTION TIPS

FRAUD is the theft of money or property through deception or false promise. Many people can become the victim of fraud. There are as many fraudulent schemes as there are people to think them up. Common victims of fraud are:

THE ELDERLY: It is unfortunate that many elderly people are taken advantage of by fraudulent schemes and plans.  Most common are schemes to "reseal" mobile home roofs, spray trees and yards with pesticide, fraudulent investment plans and goods or services that must be paid for in advance, winning the lottery and your grandchild telephoning you stating they have been arrested in another country.

- ROOF REPAIR JOBS: Most of these frauds begin by the "roof repair specialist" contacting the homeowner to tell them that their roof is bad, but for a price, repairs can be done immediately. Most often a coat of paint is applied on parts of the roof that are easily visible, or the worker asks that the homeowner front the money for the job then is not seen again.

- YARD MAINTENANCE/TREE SPRAYING: This common fraud practice has a small team of "workers" who show up with or without small spray equipment and offer to spray trees or the yard for pests. These workers are really the pests. The prices they charge are usually very high.

- WINNING THE LOTTERY: Receiving a telephone call, e-mail or letter stating you have won a Lottery but in order to collect you need to send a money order for processing fees or taxes due.

- GRANDCHILD WAS ARRESTED IN ANOTHER COUNTRY: Receiving a telephone call from who you believe at the time is your grandchild.  They tell you they were arrested in a foreign country for something (illegal fishing, drugs, wrong place at the wrong time etc.) After a very brief conversation, the telephone handed to another individual stating they are the Police, Attorney, Bail Bondsman and that a Money Order will need to be sent to them to help wit the cost and bail.  After sending thousands of dollars you learn your grandchild is at home and never left the country.


DISASTER FRAUDS: Many crooks take advantage of disasters, both natural and man made, to prey on the innocent victims. These scams usually involve construction, clean-up, or loan arranging.  There are many different types of frauds that become prevalent after a disaster. Some of these are:

- FRAUDULENT CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS: After a disaster, citizens may be contacted by persons soliciting cash contributions and claiming to represent a legitimate charitable organization or some non-existent organization. The method of solicitation may involve use of the telephone or person-to-person contact.

- CONTRACTOR/VENDOR FRAUD: Disaster victims may be contacted by persons claiming to be builders or contractors who will clean up or repair damages. These people usually start with some small part of the job, request a large down payment, then are not seen again. These also include people who claim to be intermediaries who can arrange low interest loans for disaster victims.

- PRICE GOUGING: Raising prices is not illegal, but some individuals will inflate their retail prices just to take advantage of disaster victims.


 
PROTECT YOURSELF: There are several simple steps you can take to help prevent becoming a victim of a fraudulent scheme. Some of these include:

- CALL BACK: Ask for a call back number. A legitimate business or charitable organization will welcome your call back to do business. Double check the name of the business and their phone number in the telephone book or internet.

- BIDS: Get bids for work to be done from more than one contractor or vendor.

- REFERENCES: Ask for references and call them. A legitimate contractor or vendor should be happy to provide information of previous good work done.

- CHECK WITH GOVERMENT AGENCIES: Many government agencies regulate or oversee certain types of work if someone offers to spray your yard or trees, ask what chemical they will be using. Then check with the local extension office to verity if that chemical is right for the application.

IF YOU THINK YOU MAY BE A VICTIM OF A FRAUD OR OTHER CRIME, REPORT IT TO YOUR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY!

REMEMBER: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Crime Victim Information - In order to not duplicate existing services, the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office supports and refers victims and witnesses to the victim witness liaison person within the office of the Prosecuting Attorney, the Women's Center or the Post Falls O.A.S.I.S. Program. The Prosecuting Attorney's Victim-Witness liaison person is in daily contact with other victim resource agencies in Kootenai County. When services are needed, the Victim-Witness Coordinator works closely with the deputy prosecutor. Victims and witnesses may seek information and assistance from the Victim-Witness Coordinator. By providing a central contact person who is aware of the full array of resource in the community, a much needed service is provided to directly effected individuals and to our community.

You can contact the Prosecuting Attorney's Victim-Witness Coordinator at the Prosecutor's Office at 501 N. Government Way, 2nd Floor. (208) 446-1800.

The Women's Center is located at 850 N. 4th Street in Coeur d'Alene, by telephone at (208) 663-9303 or the

Internet at: CDA Women's Center.

The Post Falls Police Department O.A.S.I.S. Program is located at the Post Falls Police Department at 101 E. 4th. Street in Post Falls or by telephone at (208) 773-3517.