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Highlands Today

Readers Beware

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John E. Murray

Published: October 19, 2007

I recently had a male individual come to my front door and present me with what was to be a free two-liter bottle of Coca-Cola. He told me he was in the area representing Hoover vacuum cleaners and he wanted to set up an appointment to give me a demonstration. When I asked, he could not present any identification connecting him with Hoover or any other appliance company. As a matter of fact, he would not show me anything bearing his name. He did show me a flash card (tells you what he is doing) in large bold letters. This is so he can show it to older people and they can read it without their glasses.

This individual was seen with two other males in large white cargo-type van with glass windows all the way around. One of those individuals was also seen on foot going door to door and the other always drove the vehicle. All of the individuals were well dressed and their story was very professional sounding.

When living in Miami we had very similar situations there. Once a year a group of people would come to South Florida this time a year and prey on the elderly and other unsuspecting individuals. Sometimes they posed as painters, handymen or salesmen.

They would gain the confidence of the people by offering small gifts and gain entry into the homes of the people. Once inside one of the individuals would keep the person busy while the other (under pretense of using a bathroom) would go through rooms taking money jewelry or any other valuables. If they were actually selling things "No" was not an accepted answer. People would buy the product just to get rid of them.

It wouldn't be until after they were gone that people would find that they were victimized and found their property missing.

Seniors should be aware that these types of individuals and groups exist. Do not allow them in your homes. If they want to use the bathroom direct them to the bushes or a nearby gas station. I am sure that local law enforcement officers would like to know that these individuals are active in the neighborhoods. Do not challenge these individuals, just send them on their way after you give them their bottle of Coca- Cola back.

My encounter with these individuals was in the Leisure Lakes area of Lake Placid.

Even if these people were legitimate they should be in a position to present you with identification connecting them with the company that they represent.

John E. Murray
Lake Placid

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