Be Aware of Possible Scammers: Community Alert from Dekalb County Police Dept.

[Michelle Friedman]

Provided by: DeKalb County Police Department to Promote Crime
Awareness
17 April 2009

Be Aware of Possible “Scammers”

Recently Officers encountered persons in communities and shopping
centers soliciting
funds for books/magazines. They inform that the money being raised
will be
forwarded to charities, which is not true. Books/magazines are never
delivered and checks are cashed or could be used to commit Fraud.

Subjects are said to be representatives of “Prestige Sales
USA,” out of Phoenix, Arizona. This is not just a local concern,
but several cities nationwide have reported representatives of this
company going door to door and in shopping centers. You may
review posted statements on www.RipoffReport.com regarding this
matter.

REMEMBER: Our elderly family members, neighbors and friends are
perceived to be
more likely victims to such scammers. So make sure you communicate
with them
regularly about these types of scams and offer to assist with these
types of situations.

Those who have been victimized and have not reported the incidents,
reports should be
made as soon as possible.

Ways to possibly avoid becoming a victim:

• Avoid patronizing solicitors going door to door or in shopping
centers without
conformation of the company
• React to your “Red Flag,” call 911 for an Officer to check the person
(s)
• Ask for ID and a County issued solicitor permit
• NEVER allow persons unknown to you into your home
• In shopping centers, inform security or management of the persons on
the
premises
• Continue to communicate through your Neighborhood Watch program to
keep
others alert to this type of activity

*** Remember if you don’t inform the Police, the Police don’t know
what’s
happening in your neighborhood. ***
-----------------------------------------
Center Precinct – Crime Awareness/Prevention
DeKalb County Police Department, 1960 W. Exchange Pl., Tucker, GA
30084