ELDERLY CALHOUN WOMAN RIPPED OFF - Scam Artists In Area, Spread The Word

(05/18/2003)
Scam artists and thieves are at work in Calhoun County, according to Sheriff Allen Parsons. Parson's said an elderly woman's purse was stolen by scammers who knocked on her door under the pretense of measuring her house for work. The purse contained checks, cash and valuable documents.

P. J. Moore, the Director of Calhoun's CRI, said she has taken applications in the past few months for home repairs to be completed this summer. Moore is concerned residents might think the "workers" are repair people from CRI.

She said CRI does have programs that offer home repair, but "All CRI people will have the proper ID," she said.

Moore said all Calhoun residents should beware of the scammers. "Whether it is CRI or the 'gas company' or the 'electric company,' etc. all persons should be able to show verifiable ID." she said.

Citizens can call to verify anyone trying to gain entry into their home.

"If they can not verify the identity of the person, people should call the Sheriff, State Police or 911," Moore said.

It is important not to admit unexpected strangers into homes for any reason without verification of identification.

"We need to stop this before it goes any further," she said. "If you need more information regarding this, please call Sheriff Parsons." Meanwhile, spread the information to your neighbors.