DuPage Co. Sheriff Warns Seniors to Beware of Con Artists

Sheriff John E. Zaruba is warning DuPage County residents, especially senior citizens, to be on the lookout for con artists and fraudulent home repair schemes.

The upcoming months are a popular time for home improvements and repairs.  Unfortunately, it is also a popular time for con artists to try and take advantage of innocent consumers.

 “It seems as if every spring, a few unscrupulous individuals try to take advantage of unsuspecting citizens and their hard earned money,” Sheriff Zaruba stated.

Most often these con artists show up at your home without contacting you beforehand.  They may pose as utility repairmen or home inspectors offering free inspections of your house and typically, they will tell you that certain areas of your home are in need of improvements. While one of the perpetrators keeps the homeowner busy either outside, or inside the home, their companion enters an unoccupied area of the house and steals cash and jewelry.

“If you are a neighbor of a senior citizen, watch out for their safety and let them know about these types of crimes,” he continued. “Keep your door locked and do not allow entry to anyone you do not know. If you are approached by someone claiming to work for Commonwealth Edison or another utility company, remember they have no reason to come inside your home. If they attempt to do so, demand to see identification, and immediately call 911 if you are suspicious.”