Burglaries don't just happen when you're away from home. In fact, some criminals target occupied homes, using a guise to get inside. They don't have to break in because you let them right in through the front door. Learn about common home invasion scams and how to avoid them so that you won't be caught off guard.
Always look through the peephole before answering the door. Remember, all it takes is for you to unlock the door, just for a second, for them to force their way inside. Never open the door to tell them to go away. Instead, ignore the knock, and if you find them suspicious, call the police. If you don't know them, don't answer the door. Post "No Soliciting" signs, and don't open the door to solicitors or anyone pretending to be one.
In one common scam scenario, a car with the hood up will be parked outside the home. They will ask to use your phone to call for a tow. Never let them in your home to use the pone. Instead, offer to call a tow truck or the police for them without unlocking your door. The criminals are preying on unsuspecting homeowners who will feel bad that they are stuck on the side of the road. Be wary of any sob story designed to gain your sympathy, even if it looks like the truth on the surface.
In another version, the man at the door has an unexpected delivery for you. Sometimes, they will even call ahead to let you know to expect the delivery. The purpose of the call is just to make sure that you're at home when they arrive. Plus, it puts you at ease, since you're now expecting a package. They arrive, you open the door to receive the package, and they're in your home. In this situation, ask them to leave the package at your doorstep, but do not open the door, even if they claim that you're required to sign something.
Watch out for "too good to be true" deals, which come in many forms. For example, someone will ring your doorbell and tell you that he has some landscaping plants left over from a job down the street that he can let you have for free. You just need to sign a form to okay it. Sounds enticing, right? As soon as you open the door to sign the form, he's in your home.
There are hundreds of versions of these scams. The criminals may dress like utility workers, plumbers, electricians, landscapers, delivery men, or even just regular people in street clothes. They often look the part, with a uniform, fake ID, and a tool box. Never be afraid to call their company to verify that the worker should be there while they wait outside. An actual employee will be willing to wait, but a criminal will take off.
In general, keep your door locked, use the peephole, and be suspicious of anyone asking for access to your home. Have some form of personal protection, like a stun gun or pepper spray, near the front door. You never know when you might need them, and if they're tucked away in a drawer somewhere, you'll never be able to get to them when the time comes.
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