Grandpa,
I am not sure how this scam works. I have been getting phone calls from someone who claims to be an investigator. She is asking questions about my car, how many miles does it have, what kind of repairs have I had done, who drives it. I just keep telling her that I don’t answer personal questions over the phone, then I hang up. Within a couple of days, I get a call back from the same lady with the same questions. I am beginning to wonder what they may be investigating about my car. I don’t want to use curse words in case it really is a police officer.
Grandpa says; That is not how a police investigation works. If she were a police investigator, she would tell you her name, rank, and police agency for which she is working. She would give you her badge number if you ask. If you still feel uncomfortable giving out personal information over the phone, tell the caller you would prefer to converse in person. Bear in mind there are many kinds of investigators such as private investigators, insurance investigators, and even phony investigators.
Next time this person calls, let her know that you have already spoken to the state’s attorney about her impersonating a police officer and had given them the number from which she is calling. Then hang up. From the type of questions she is asking, I would presume she is trying to sell you some sort of insurance or warranty on your car. When will telemarketers learn that pestering a potential customer only drives the target further away? Probably never.
Grandpa,
I live in (a small town in the Fox Valley). I got a phone call from someone who claims to be from the Policemen’s Benevolent fund. He said that a plainclothes officer is canvassing door to door for donations. The caller said to be prepared to give cash because checks cost them money to process. Sure enough, a nice looking man with a policeman’s buzz type hair cut came to my door to ask for money. I asked to see his badge. He said they are not allowed to carry a badge when they are off duty. I know that is a lie so I shut the door. I just wanted to make every one aware of this scam.
Grandpa says; Thank you. I hope the first individuals you notified were the police. Scams such as this hurt the real associations that do help wounded officers, police widows, and their children. Grandpa has great respect for law enforcement officers and the organizations that help the families thereof.
Grandpa says; Next week we will publish more letters from those who wrote in to forewarn us of various scams. There is no shortage of scams in the world today!
Beloved Readers; Saturday, May 5 will be Cinco de Mayo. Many have already begun celebrating. Grandpa is in favor of celebrating the diversity of American culture. Grandpa is in favor of celebrating sensibly. We would like you to be around to celebrate Memorial Day.
Got something stuck in your craw? Ask Grandpa. Address your letters to Ask Grandpa c/o The Voice, 314 N. Lake Street, Suite 2, Aurora, IL 60506 or send an E-mail to askgrandpa@thevoice.us.