Community Corner

Crime Prevention Tip: Beware of Deception Burglaries

A burglar can impersonated utility companies like Con Ed, delivery companies like UPS or FedEx, and construction companies such as plumbing or electrical contractors.

By Will Yacowicz

Deception Burglary can come in many forms. By definition, it’s a burglary committed by a person, or persons, who gains entry to a home by posing as an employee of a particular company. A burglar can impersonated utility companies like Con Ed, delivery companies like UPS or FedEx, and construction companies such as plumbing or electrical contractors.

The burglar, posing as a utility worker, can seem totally legitimate. A common deception can go down like this, a man or woman comes to your door and states, "A pipe broke down the block and we have to check the water…." Once inside, the perpetrator or perpetrators can manipulate and distract a victim in order to steal their valuables.

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Below are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Don't become a victim, don't let them in
  • Verify the request by calling 311 for DEP water company issues
  • To verify Con Edison call: 1-800-752-6633
  • Don't hesitate to call 911

These crimes are often targeted at elderly victims during normal business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) making them less likely to question the situation.

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The information below can help you avoid becoming a victim of a deception burglary.

If someone comes to your door offering work inside your home and you were never contacted in advance or requested such work:

  • Don't open the door
  • Stay inside your home
  • Verify his/her I.D. through the peephole
  • Contact the company to verify employee's I.D. (company numbers could be looked up via internet or on your bill)
  • Keep a list of utility companies and their phone numbers in a convenient location
  • Do not invite anyone into your home while you verify a "work order" and person at your door
  • If you can't verify the I.D., you feel unsafe or suspect criminal activity, call 911 immediately

Remember: Never give out any financial information, especially your social security number, credit card information, bank account information.


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