posted
08/22/09 06:40 PM
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updated
08/22/09 06:49 PM
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Crime
Door to Door Scammers
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Dodr-to door "sales"
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Before my mother recently moved from the neighborhood into a condo, I had been concerned about my elderly mother answering the door to various types of intrusive and questionable solicitors. Many of us grew up in an era when door-to-door sales-people were generally honest, hardworking individuals. Some may still be - but unfortunately the world has changed, and too many of the people who come to our doors unbidden are not. Some of them want to scam us into a purchase of over-priced subscriptions, or “discount” meat, or “free” windows. They may be “out of gas” and ask to use our phone (who doesn’t have a cell phone these days?). They may be casing our homes for a later burglary. We may be being ‘interviewed” as potential victims. Most of don’t think in those terms – but we must be aware that others do. After much consideration and discussion, I have concluded that under no circumstances should my mother (or you or I) open our locked doors to anyone unknown and unexpected by us. A small window in or by the door, a peep-hole or inexpensive video monitor, will allow us to identify those ringing our doorbells. A simple response of, “Not interested” should cut the “interview” short. If it doesn’t, inform them that you are calling the police to “help” them. In most instances, that will convince them to move on quickly. I’m not suggesting that we hide in our homes afraid of everyone around us – far from it. I’m only suggesting we very carefully consider who we open our doors to. Let’s be safe out there. Best regards, Bob Gallaher |
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Comment by
Bob Gallaher
August 24, 2009
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We are the safest we have ever been
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While there are certainly situations where you should be cautious, in general, we live in an era that is the safest in history. The vast majority of people in Lake City, in Seattle and in the country are both good and trust-worthy. Living in fear of imagined dangers is not living at all. 
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Comment by
biliruben
August 31, 2009
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Door-to-door scams
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I agree the "...vast majority of people in Lake City, in Seattle and in the country are both good and trust-worthy." Unfortunately, there will always be a few bad actors out there going door-to-door with various scams targeting our elderly citizens. Advocating we should all throw our doors open to any stranger that stops by is naive and dangerous. We should NOT live in fear. We should also NOT be foolish. |
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Comment by
bob Gallaher
12 months ago
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door-to-door scams
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"Advocating we should all throw our doors open to any stranger that stops by is naive and dangerous." Look! A man! And he is made of straw! |
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Comment by
biliruben
12 months ago
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Door to Door vendors
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| Before they open their mouths ask door to door vendors for their City Permit. If they "left it at home" tell them to go get it then call it in on the non-emergency 911 line. Crime statistics are the least protection against personal safety. | |
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Comment by
LakecityDick
11 months ago
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Two in the past month or so
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Just today had a guy from "DP Sales Inc." out of Gig Harbor come to our door. I got rid of him quickly -- at least he was polite. Googled "DP Sales" and sure enough they've been hitting homes not only in Seattle but California too. Also recently had a strange young woman (with her "brother") who said almost the exact same thing as posted above -- she claimed some neighbors said I was really nice, and she was helping raise money for a local girls softball team to go to a championship, and that some of the money would go for our troops. She was really pushy and when I finally said "no" definitively, she walked off in a huff. Didn't call the non-emergency police line the first time, but I did today. If enough of these scammers get stopped by law enforcement, hopefully it will discourage their activity. |
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Comment by
Lake City resident
10 months ago
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