The last meeting of the Hellerton Block Watch featured some important warnings to community members on how to avoid being scammed. According to the Hellerton Patch, State Police Trooper Kelly W. Pearson discussed transient groups and common scams in an effort to raise awareness of the crimes.

The crimes Trooper Pearson was discussing were those that often victimize the elderly. They are executed by people who are usually just passing through town. These groups, some of them referred to as Gypsies, move from locale to locale, eluding police and making money off of the vulnerable.

As an example, one elderly man was visited at his home by workers claiming to be with the water department. He led them to the basement where he was knocked down and robbed.

In other cases, groups may pose as repair workers who are interested in fixing your driveway or roof. Then they use subpar materials and questionable craftsmanship while charging exorbitant rates.

The elderly are often reluctant to report the frauds after they happen out of embarrassment. They feel like they should have known better. But, Trooper Pearson says their reporting of the crimes can help prevent future scams from occurring.

Other scams, which play on the hearts of the elderly or simply the single, can be particular embarrassing for the victim. Known as “sweetheart scams,” these are executed when the perpetrator gains the trust and romantic affections of the victim before defrauding them of cash and other valuables.

Above all, Trooper Pearson cautioned the attendees to be cautious and aware, and if something doesn’t feel right about a person to contact the police or someone close for a second opinion.

These scams are most often executed by groups of people traveling through the area. But not all of them are. Many people accused of running scams in an effort to gain money work alone. Even more common than frauds and scams like these, however, are the smaller time frauds that are designed to defraud a company, bank, or government entity.

Even bad checks can be considered a fraud offense, as can lying on a credit application. When you are accused of something like this, you likely didn’t go into the situation thinking you would get caught. Instead, you saw an opportunity and took it, not thinking about the potentially disastrous outcomes.

If you are accused of a fraud crime and are in need of representation, contact our offices today for a consultation and to see how we might be able to help.