Police Chief Gary Mayer 500 W. Big Beaver Rd Troy MI 48084 248.524.3477
Crime Alert for period ending December 23, 2013
Assaults
700 block of Maple Rd, 12/19/13, 12:34 pm: Victim reported the suspect yanked a hose from his hand. Victim advised suspect to ask next time instead of grabbing. The suspect retaliated by “chest bumping” the victim attempting to start a fight. The suspect then grabbed victim’s smart phone and threw it on the ground shattering the phone. Victim was advised to he would be contacted the City Attorney’s office to prosecute.
Auto/Vehicle Thefts
2000 block of Dorchester Rd, 12/10/13- 12/18/13, 8pm–3pm: Resident reported he went to his 1999 Jeep Cherokee and found that the battery was dead. When he returned he noticed the passenger window was smashed and the ignition had been removed and was lying on the center console.
1000 block of Kirts, 12/19/13-12/20/13, 8pm–3pm: Resident reported his 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 was parked in the carport. When he returned to carport resident discovered his vehicle was missing. Resident stated he is in possession of the keys.
Macy’s, 500 W Fourteen Mile Rd, 12/20/13, 7pm–9:30pm: The complainant reported her 2004 Dodge Durango was parked in the lot while she shopped. When she returned to the lot her vehicle was gone. Complainant was still in possession of the keys.
Breaking and Entries
Eli's of Troy, 5067 Rochester Rd, 12/15/13, 12:01am: Troy officers were dispatched to an alarm at the business. The store owner advised a cement statue was used to break the front door. Missing were 5 Missani black leather coats valued at $595.00 each and 12 Fusion shirts valued at $69.50 each.
Kai Sun Market, 12/9/13 – 12/10/13, 9pm-8:45am: Complainant reported a rock had been thrown through the front door of the market. Complainant advised the cash register containing $300 cash was missing.
Civil Issues
Troy officers responded to one incident involving a landlord/tenant dispute in which there was no reason for formal enforcement action.
Credit, Check, Identity Theft, Other Fraud
1000 block of Brentwood, 12/10/13 – 12/11/13, 12pm: The complainant stated she was contacted by PNC Bank, Discover Card, and American Express. They stated that an unknown person applied for credit and was denied using her name.
1000 block of Kelley St, 12/5/13, 8am: The complainant reported that unknown person(s) had used her identity without her permission to obtain three credit cards which were use to make purchases in Ohio.
911 Wilshire Dr, 12/20/13, 8am–3pm: Complainant advised he either dropped his wallet in the parking lot or at his workplace. Complainant stated he checked with his credit companies and his Discover card had already been fraudulently used at the Meijer in Rochester Hills.
Macy’s, 500 W Fourteen Mile Rd, 11/29/13, 11:46 am: The complainant advised her Macy’s card had been used for purchases she did not authorize totaling $110.98.
Ruth Chris Steakhouse, 755 W Big Beaver Rd, 12/9/13, 5:22 pm: Complainant advised his credit card was charged $182.59. Complainant stated he did not make the purchase.
Comerica, 1495 Crooks Rd, 12/13/13, 2:15 pm: Comerica bank teller recognized the suspect standing in line as someone who was fraudulently cashing checks. The suspect, who is a caregiver for a senior, had been writing checks in the senior’s name and having the victim sign them. The victim suffers from Dementia. The teller stalled the suspect until police arrived finding a check in the amount of $800.00 from the victims account. The suspect, a 44-year-old from Warren was arrested for “UTTERING AND PUBLISHING CHECKS.”
3000 block of Camden, 12/3/13 – 12/6/13, 12:00 pm: Complainant advised he was contacted by Citibank advising him he had several suspicious charges on his account totaling $611.70.
Macy’s, 2750 W Big Beaver Rd, 12/14/13, 9:29 pm:3000 block of Estates, 4/11/13: Mall security advised two suspects had presented a fraudulent credit card for purchase. The suspects purchased 25 items totaling $3,203.11 with a credit card. The purchase was completed and the suspects continued to shop and purchased 18 more items valued at $960.39. At this time the credit card was put on hold and Macy’s employees were able to ascertain the suspect was not the account holder on the credit card. The suspects, 31-year-old from Harper Woods and 34-year-old from Detroit were arrested for “FRADULENT USE OF CREDIT CARD.” The suspect from Harper Woods was found to be in possession of heroin and was also charged with “POSSESSION OF HEROIN.”
2000 block of Columbia, 4/1/13 – 10/24/13, 12:00 pm: Resident reported his bank account had been used to pay for a Sprint wireless plan for several payments totaling $2,083.25. Resident stated he did not have a Sprint account.
Domestic/Family Trouble
Troy Officers responded to 17 incidents involving domestic disputes or family troubles during this reporting period. On-scene investigation of these incidents did not result in evidence of crimes being committed; however, Officers were required to take non-enforcement actions to either mediate the situation or keep the peace. Readers should be aware that although these incidents did not result in arrest or prosecution, they do represent significant law enforcement resources in terms of time, on-scene investigation, potential relocation of disputants, referrals to support agencies, peace keeping, as well as detective and prosecutorial review.
Drugs/Narcotics
E Big Beaver Rd & Kilmer, 12/18/13, 9:07 pm: Troy Officer was walking through the lot when he observed the suspect smoking marijuana in his vehicle. The suspect, a 29-year-old from Warren was cited for “POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA.”
Hooters, 2950 Rochester Rd, 12/20/13, 8pm: K-9 officer was driving through the business lot and observed an occupied vehicle with the suspect smoking from a glass pipe. Officer detected a strong odor of burnt marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. The driver admitted to smoking the marijuana and advised he had an ounce more inside the vehicle. In the vehicle, officer discovered a backpack containing a large amount of marijuana, a digital scale, three pipes, a pouch containing powder cocaine, a pouch containing Ecstasy and strips of paper that tested positive for LSD. The suspect, a 29-year-old from Clarkston was arrested for “POSSESSION OF COCAINE,” “ECSTASY,” “LSD” and “POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DELIVER-MARIJUANA.”
E Big Beaver Rd & John R Rd, 12/20/13, 10:34 pm: Officers stopped a vehicle with an equipment violation. The vehicle had a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside. The driver was found to have a suspended license. The driver advised officers he had a small baggie of marijuana under the passenger seat and a package of cigarette papers used for smoking marijuana. The driver, a 27-year-old from Macomb was arrested for “POSSESION OF MARIJUANA,” “DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED” and “POSSESSION OF NARCOTIC PARAPHERNAILIA.”
W Big Beaver Rd & I75, 12/21/13, 10:37 pm: Officers stopped a vehicle without headlights. Officers detected a strong odor of burnt marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. The passenger, a 22-year-old from Millington admitted to having marijuana and handed officers a small baggie containing marijuana. The passenger was cited for “POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA.”
Rochester Rd & Villa Park Dr, 12/14/13, 12:50 am: Officers stopped a vehicle for an equipment violation. The officers could detect an odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. The passenger admitted to having marijuana in her purse. The suspect was cited for “POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA.”
920 John R Rd, 12/15/13. 3:10 am: Troy officers observed a suspicious vehicle with two people sleeping inside of the vehicle. One subject was found to be in possession of cocaine in his front pocket as well as a pipe used for smoking crack cocaine. The suspect, a 53-year-old from Sterling Heights was arrested for “POSSESSION OF COCAINE” and “POSSESSION OF NARCOTIC PARAPHERANILA.” The second suspect was found to have a felony warrant out for her arrest. The second suspect was arrested for “FELONY WARRANT.”
Driving Under Influence of Alcohol/Drugs
Woodslee St & John R Rd, 12/18/13, 6:09 am: Troy officers stopped a vehicle for a prohibited right turn on red. The driver was found to have a suspended license. As the driver stepped out of the vehicle officers detected an odor of alcohol coming from the driver. The driver admitted to drinking and failed field sobrieties. Officers found a cup of beer in the vehicle and the plate on the vehicle was expired. The driver, a 38-year-old from Detroit was arrested for “OPEARATING WHILE INTOXICATED 2ND OFFENSE,” “OPEN INTOXICANTS IN VEHICLE,” “DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED” and “EXPIRED LICENSE PLATE.” Breath test results were .17%.
I-75 & Rochester Rd, 12/18/13, 6:12 pm: Troy Officers were dispatched on a possible drunk driver that just drove into the ditch. The driver smelled strongly of alcohol and admitted to drinking. The driver, a 24-year-old from Oxford failed field sobrieties and was arrested for “OPERATING WHILE INTOXCIATED.” Breath test results were .29%.
W Maple Rd & Crooks Rd, 12/18/13, 6:39 pm: Troy Officers were dispatched on a possible drunk driver. Officers located the vehicle and detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. The driver had slurred speech and failed field sobrieties. The driver was found to have a suspended license and prescription pills not prescribed. The driver, a 22-year-old from Redford was arrested for “OPERATING UNDER THE PRESENCE OF DRUGS,” “POSSESSION OF PRESCRIPTION NARCOTICS” and “DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED.” A blood draw was conducted with results pending.
E Big Beaver Rd & John R Rd, 12/19/13, 1:47 am: Troy Officers stopped a vehicle that was blocking traffic. The driver had glassy eyes and slurred speech. The driver was found to have a suspended driver’s license and two previous convictions for drunk driving. The driver, a 36-year-old from Macomb failed field sobrieties and was arrested for “OPERATING WHILE INTOXICATED 3RD OFFENSE” and “DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED.”
400 block of Maple Rd, 12/20/13, 12:31 am: Troy officers stopped a vehicle that almost struck a curb and traveling at speeds below posted, causing a hazard. The interior of the vehicle smelled strongly of intoxicants. The driver admitted to drinking and advised officers he had a weapons permit. The driver, a 67-year-old from Detroit failed field sobrieties and was arrested for “OPERATING WHILE INTOXICATED” and “VIOLATION OF CPL (concealed pistol license).” Breath test results were .15%.
Rochester Rd & Charrington Dr, 12/20/13, 12:55 am: Troy Officers stopped a vehicle for a no turn on red violation. The driver had glassy eyes an odor of alcohol coming from his person. The driver, a 27-year-old form Denver, CO failed field sobrieties and was arrested for “OPERATING WHILE INTOXICATED.” Breath test results were .12%.
1000 block of Brentwood, 12/21/13, 12:43 am: Officers were dispatched to a single car accident that struck a tree. The driver had a strong odor of intoxicants coming from his breath. The driver admitted to drinking and failed field sobrieties. The driver, a 38-year-old from Troy had a previous conviction for drunk driving and was arrested for “OPERATING WHILE INTOXICATED 2ND OFFENSE.” Breath test results were .14%.
Dequindre Rd & E Wattles Rd, 12/21/13, 1:59 am: Troy Officers stopped a vehicle for speeding. There was a very strong odor of intoxicants coming from inside the vehicle. The driver admitted to drinking and failed field sobrieties. The driver, a 25-year-old from Sterling Heights was arrested for “OPERATING WHILE INTOXICATED.” Breath test results were .10%.
W Wattles & Livernois Ave, 12/22/13, 2:41 am: Troy officers stopped a vehicle after observing it weaving in its lane. The driver had glassy eyes and an odor of intoxicants coming from inside the vehicle. The driver admitted to drinking and failed field sobrieties. Officers located marijuana in the vehicle and the driver had a previous conviction for drunk driving. The driver, a 43-year-old from Troy was arrested for “OPERATING WHILE INTOXICATED 2nd OFFENSE” and “POSSESSION OF MARIJAUNA.” Breath test results were .16%.
E Big Beaver Rd & John R Rd, 12/17/13, 2:07 am: Troy Officers stopped a vehicle for speeding. Officers detected an odor of intoxicants coming from inside the vehicle. The driver admitted to drinking and failed field sobrieties. The driver, a 26-year-old from Sterling Heights was arrested for “OPERATING WHILE INTOXICATED.” A blood draw was conducted with results pending.
South Blvd & Livernois, 12/18/13, 3:03 am: Troy Officers stopped a suspicious vehicle. The driver had an aroma of intoxicants coming from her person and failed field sobrieties. The driver, a 33-year-old from Shelby Twp had a prior conviction for drunk driving and was arrested for “OPERATING WHILE INTOXICATED 2ND OFFENSE.” Test results were .10%.
E Fourteen Mile Rd & Dequindre Rd, 12/12/13, 1:36 am: Troy Officers stopped a vehicle for speeding. Officers detected a strong odor of intoxicants coming from inside the vehicle. The driver admitted to drinking and failed field sobrieties. The driver, a 33-year-old from Warren was arrested for “OPERATING WHILE INTOXICATED.” Breath test results were .12%.
Stephenson Hwy & Rochester Rd, 12/12/13, 1:55 am: Troy officers stopped a vehicle for blockading traffic. The driver smelled strongly of intoxicants. The driver, a 33-year-old from Mexico failed field sobrieties and was arrested for “OPERATING WHILE INTOXICATED.” Breath test results were .16%.
I-75 & Livernois, 12/14/13, 10:39 pm: Troy Officers were dispatched to a hit and run accident scene. The responsible vehicle fled the scene and was later located by officers. The driver was observed to smell strongly of intoxicants and had watery eyes. The driver failed field sobrieties and had two prior convictions for drunk driving. The driver, a 47-year-old from Rochester Hills was arrested for “OPERATING WHILE INTOXICATED 3RD OFFENSE.” Breath test results were .13%.
Stephenson Hwy & Rankin St, 12/9/13, 5:25 pm: Troy Officers responded to an accident scene. The responsible driver in the accident had a strong odor of intoxicants coming from her person and slurred speech. The driver admitted to drinking and failed field sobrieties. Inside the driver’s purse a small amount of marijuana was found in a cigarette box. The driver, a 42-year-old from Waterford was arrested for “OPERATING WHILE INTOXICATED” and “POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA.” Breath test results were .14%.
W Maple & Heide, 12/10/13, 9:13 am: Troy Officers Troy officers stopped a vehicle for a speeding violation. The driver was observed to have bloodshot eyes and an odor of alcohol was detected coming from inside the vehicle. The driver denied drinking however failed field sobrieties. The driver, a 50-year-old from Sterling Heights was arrested for “OPERATING WHILE INTOXICATED.” Breath test results were .23%.
Meijer Dr. & Crooks Rd, 12/11/13, 2:32 am: Troy officers stopped a vehicle with an expired license plate. The driver was observed to have glassy eyes and an aroma of intoxicants was detected coming from inside the vehicle. The driver admitted to drinking and failed field sobrieties. The driver, a 24-year-old from Royal Oak was arrested for “OPERATING WHILE INTOXICATED.” Breath test results were .17%.
Embezzlements
Macy's, 2750 W. Big Beaver, 12/16/13, 4:04 pm: Loss prevention advised an employee made two fraudulent payments to her personal Macy’s card. The suspect used another employee’s ID number and rang up the payment on a Macy’s register however never put the money in the register. The total of the two fraudulent payments was $360.00. The suspect, a 21-year-old from Westland was arrested for “EMBEZZELMENT.”
Home Invasions
3000 block of Bristol, 12/20/13, 8:30am-3:15pm: Complainant stated she left for work and may have left her doors unlocked. When her children returned from school, items were discovered missing from the home. There were no signs of forced entry to the home. Missing items were two wallets with approximately $20 cash in each, an Xbox console and Xbox games.
Larcenies
Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois, 12/18/13, 8:55pm: Complainant reported he put his iPhone 5 in the pocket of his sweatshirt which he put on the bleachers while he played basketball. When he returned his phone was missing.
Troy Sports Center, 1819 E Big Beaver Rd, 12/19/13, 10pm – 11:45 pm: Complainant stated his wallet was stolen from his locked locker in the locker room. The wallet contained credit card and social security card.
Children’s Leukemia Foundation, 5455 Corporate Dr, 12/16/13 – 12/17/13, 5-7 am: Complainant reported that the Bose Wave radio system had been taken from the office. The officer doors are locked with a cable lock that had been cut. The value of the radio was $1,000.
Larcenies from Autos
920 John R Rd, 12/11/13 – 12/18/13, 12pm: Resident reported his 1998 Chevy Malibu was parked in the lot and someone stole the catalytic converter off the vehicle.
2800 Livernois, 12/18/13, 9:00 am – 5:15pm: Complainant advised while his 2005 Chevy Venture was parked in the lot someone stole his catalytic converter off the vehicle.
Leo Burnett Advertising, 3310 W Big Beaver Rd, 12/18/13, 9am-7:40pm: Complainant reported her 2004 Buick Rendezvous was parked in the lot. When she returned the catalytic converter was stolen off the vehicle.
3000 block of Glouchester, 12/18/13, 2–2:05am: The Resident reported her 2002 Chevy Venture was parked in the lot. When she returned the catalytic converter had been stolen.
2000 block of Coolidge, 12/1/13 – 12/18/13, 10pm–6am: Complainant advised his 1999 Chevrolet Venture was parked in the lot and someone stole the catalytic converter off the vehicle.
2700 Daley, 12/10/13, 8 am - 5pm: An Complainant advised her vehicle was parked in the lot, when she returned the catalytic converted had been stolen.
Magna Powertrain, 1870 Technology, 12/11/13, 9:15 am – 7 pm: Complainant advised his vehicle was parked in the lot. When he returned the driver’s side rear passenger window was smashed and his radar detector was missing.
920 John R Rd, 12/11/13, 12:00 pm: Resident reported her vehicle was parked in the lot. When she returned to the vehicle she discovered the catalytic converted had been stolen.
American Polish Center, 2975 E Maple Rd, 12/15/13, 6:45 pm – 12 am: Complainant advised he parked his car in the parking lot. When he returned he discovered his vehicle had been broken into. The passenger side door had a 1.5 inch cut through the metal which appears how access was gained into the vehicle. Missing from the vehicle was a wallet with $10 cash and identification, a laptop and a DVD player. A second vehicle was broken into in the lot with the rear passenger window smashed out. Complainant advised her purse was missing containing credit cards and gift cards.
100 block of Braemar, 12/8/13 – 12/9/13, 8 pm - 6:50 am: Resident reported his 2013 Ford Explorer was parked in the driveway overnight. When resident returned to his vehicle he discovered all four tires missing.
300 block of Cotswold, 12/8/13 – 12/9/13, 9:30 pm – 7:15 am: Resident reported he parked his vehicle in the driveway overnight. When he came out in the morning he discovered all four tires had been stolen.
920 John R Rd, 12/9/13 – 12/10/13, 4:30 pm – 3 pm: Resident reported her vehicle was parked in the apartment complex lot. When she returned to her vehicle the catalytic converter had been stolen.
300 block of Randall, 12/8/13 – 12/10/13, 5pm-8am: Resident reported her vehicle was parked in the driveway overnight possibly unlocked. Resident stated when she went back to her vehicle it had been entered and ransacked. The center wheel cap had been tampered with as well.
920 John R Rd, 12/9/13 – 12/10/13, 4:30pm-3pm: Resident reported her vehicle was parked in the apartment complex lot. When she returned to her vehicle the catalytic converter had been stolen.
300 block of Randall, 12/8/13 – 12/10/13, 5pm-8am: Resident reported her vehicle was parked in the driveway overnight possibly unlocked. Resident stated when she went back to her vehicle it had been entered and ransacked. The center wheel cap had been tampered with as well.
Malicious Destruction of Property
6000 block of Forest Park, 12/19/13 – 12/20/13, 11pm-8am: The Resident reported someone ran over her mailbox destroying it and leaving tire tracks in her yard.
Minors and Alcohol
2000 block of Normandy, 12/21/13, 12:02 am: Troy officers were dispatched to a possible drug overdose. The suspect, a 17-year-old from Troy stated he had consumed 8 shots of whiskey and had smoking marijuana. The suspect was lethargic and vomiting at the time Officers arrived. Officers discovered a baggie of marijuana in the suspect’s pants pocket. The suspect was transported to the hospital for care. Officers cited the suspect for “POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA” and “MINOR CONSUME ALCOHOL.” Breath test results were .08%.
2E. Big Beaver Rd & Dequindre, 12/13/13, 1:39 am: Troy officers stopped a vehicle after observing it almost strike the curb. The driver admitted to drinking and failed field sobrieties. The driver, an 18-year-old from Clinton Twp was arrested for “OPERATING WHILE INTOXICATED.” Breath test results were .15%.
Neighbor Troubles
Troy Officers responded to two incidents involving neighbor troubles in which there was no reason for formal enforcement acton.
Other
Troy Officers responded to seven hospice deaths during the time period covered by this report.
Phone Calls/Harassment/Threats
7 harassing or threatening telephone call/text message reports
2 harassment reports
Retail Fraud
There were 10 reported retail frauds during the time period covered by this report with seven charges being misdemeanors and three charges being felonies.
Weapons Offenses
Newgate Rd & Oakhill Dr, 12/20/13, 8:21 pm: Officers were dispatched on a felonious assault. Two solicitors from Detroit Public Broadcasting, who were approved to solicit by the city of Troy, stated they knocked on a residence door. When the door was answered the victims stated the suspect pointed a gun at them telling them to get off his property. The victims fled and called 911. Officers located the suspect who stated he did point the gun at the victims believing he had a right because it was his property. The suspect, a 66-year-old from Troy was not in possession of a CPL license and was arrested for “AGGREVATED ASSAULT” and “CARRYING A CONCEALED WEAPON.”
Welfare Checks
Troy Officers responded to 3 incidents involving persons with emotional or psychological issues and assisted with transport to a hospital for evaluation and possible commitment.
Arrest Summary
In addition to those outlined above, the following arrests were made during the period:
5 Felony Warrant Arrests
11 Arrests for Driving While License Suspended
11 Misdemeanor Warrant arrests
Beware of Frauds against seniors
Health Insurance Frauds
Medical Equipment Fraud:
Equipment manufacturers offer "free" products to individuals. Insurers are then charged for products that were not needed and/or may not have been delivered.
"Rolling Lab" Schemes:
Unnecessary and sometimes fake tests are given to individuals at health clubs, retirement homes, or shopping malls and billed to insurance companies or Medicare.
Services Not Performed:
Customers or providers bill insurers for services never rendered by changing bills or submitting fake ones.
Medicare Fraud:
Medicare fraud can take the form of any of the health insurance frauds described above. Senior citizens are frequent targets of Medicare schemes, especially by medical equipment manufacturers who offer seniors free medical products in exchange for their Medicare numbers. Because a physician has to sign a form certifying that equipment or testing is needed before Medicare pays for it, con-artists fake signatures or bribe corrupt doctors to sign the forms. Once a signature is in place, the manufacturers bill Medicare for merchandise or service that was not needed or was not ordered.
Some Tips to Avoiding Health Insurance Frauds
Never sign blank insurance claim forms.
Never give blanket authorization to a medical provider to bill for services rendered.
Ask your medical providers what they will charge and what you will be expected to pay out-of-pocket.
Carefully review your insurer's explanation of the benefits statement. Call your insurer and provider if you have questions.
Do not do business with door-to-door or telephone salespeople who tell you that services of medical equipment are free.
Give your insurance/Medicare identification only to those who have provided you with medical services.
Counterfeit Prescription Drugs
Be mindful of appearance. Closely examine the packaging and lot numbers of prescription drugs and be alert of any changes from one prescription to the next.
Consult your pharmacist or physician if your prescription drug looks suspicious.
Alert your pharmacist and physician immediately if your medication causes adverse side effects or if your condition does not improve.
Use caution when purchasing drugs on the Internet. Do not purchase medications from unlicensed online distributors or those who sell medications without a prescription. Reputable online pharmacies will have a seal of approval called the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site (VIPPS), provided by the Association of Boards of Pharmacy in the United States.
Product promotions or cost reductions and other "special deals" may be associated with counterfeit product promotion.
Funeral and Cemetery Fraud
Be an informed consumer. Take time to call and shop around before making a purchase. Take a friend with you that may offer some perspective to help make difficult decisions. Funeral homes are required to provide detailed price lists over the phone or in writing. Ask if their lower priced items are included on their price list.
Be informed about caskets before you buy one. It is a myth that funeral providers can determine how long a casket will preserve a body.
Research funeral home service fees when shopping for products elsewhere. Some of these charges are prohibited by the Federal Trade Commission.
You should know that embalming is not legally required and that a casket is not needed for direct cremations.
Do not be pressured by high-priced pitches from funeral industry vendors.
Require all proposed plans and purchases to be put in writing.
Remember to carefully read contracts and purchasing agreements before signing. Find out if agreements you sign can be voided, taken back or transferred to other funeral homes.
Before you consider prepaying, make sure you are well-informed. When you do make a plan for yourself, share your specific wishes with those close to you.
Fraudulent "Anti-Aging" Products
If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is. Watch out for "Secret Formulas" or "Breakthroughs."
Don't be afraid to ask questions about the product. Find out exactly what it should do for you and what it should not.
Research a product thoroughly before buying it. Call the Better Business Bureau to find out if other people have complained about the product.
Be wary of products that purport to cure a wide variety of illnesses (particularly serious ones) that don't appear to be related.
Testimonials and/or celebrity endorsements are often misleading.
Be very careful of products that are marketed as having no side effects.
Products that are advertised as making visits to a physician unnecessary should be questioned.
Always consult your doctor before taking any dietary or nutritional supplement.
Telemarketing Fraud
If you're age 60 or older, you may be a special target for people who sell bogus products and services by phone. Older women living alone are special targets of these scam artists. Telemarketing scams often involve offers of prizes, low-cost vitamins and health care products, and travel offers.
There are warning signs to these scams, including promises of "free" or "low cost" vacations and get rich quick schemes. If you hear these--or similar--"lines" from a telephone salesperson, just say "no thank you," and hang up the phone:
"You must act 'now' or the offer won't be good."
"You've won a 'free' gift, vacation, or prize." But you have to pay for "postage and handling" or other charges.
"You must send money, give a credit card or bank account number, or have a check picked up by courier." You may hear this before you have had a chance to consider the offer carefully.
"You don't need to check out the company with anyone." The callers say you do not need to speak to anyone including your family, lawyer, accountant, local Better Business Bureau, or consumer protection agency.
"You don't need any written information about their company or their references."
"You can't afford to miss this 'high-profit, no-risk' offer."
Remember, if you hear the lines above, or similar "lines" from a telephone salesperson, just say "no thank you," and hang up the phone:
Some Tips to Avoiding Telemarketing Fraud:
It's very difficult to get your money back if you've been cheated over the phone. Before you buy anything by telephone, remember:
Don't buy from an unfamiliar company. Legitimate businesses understand that you want more information about their company and are happy to comply.
Always ask for and wait until you receive written material about any offer or charity. If you get brochures about costly investments, ask someone whose financial advice you trust to review them. But, unfortunately, beware -- not everything written down is true.
Always check out unfamiliar companies with your local consumer protection agency, Better Business Bureau, state Attorney General, the National Fraud Information Center, or other watchdog groups. Unfortunately, not all bad businesses can be identified through these organizations.
Obtain a salesperson's name, business identity, telephone number, street address, mailing address, and business license number before you transact business. Some con artists give out false names, telephone numbers, addresses, and business license numbers. Verify the accuracy of these items.
Before you give money to a charity or make an investment, find out what percentage of the money is paid in commissions and what percentage actually goes to the charity or investment.
Before you send money, ask yourself a simple question. "What guarantee do I really have that this solicitor will use my money in the manner we agreed upon?"
You must not be asked to pay in advance for services. Pay services only after they are delivered.
Some con artists will send a messenger to your home to pick up money, claiming it is part of their service to you. In reality, they are taking your money without leaving any trace of who they are or where they can be reached.
Always take your time making a decision. Legitimate companies won't pressure you to make a snap decision.
Don't pay for a "free prize." If a caller tells you the payment is for taxes, he or she is violating federal law.
Before you receive your next sales pitch, decide what your limits are -- the kinds of financial information you will and won't give out on the telephone.
It's never rude to wait and think about an offer. Be sure to talk over big investments offered by telephone salespeople with a trusted friend, family member, or financial advisor.
Never respond to an offer you don't understand thoroughly.
Never send money or give out personal information such as credit card numbers and expiration dates, bank account numbers, dates of birth, or social security numbers to unfamiliar companies or unknown persons.
Your personal information is often brokered to telemarketers through third parties.
If you have been victimized once, be wary of persons who call offering to help you recover your losses for a fee paid in advance.
If you have information about a fraud report it to state, local, or federal law enforcement agencies.
Internet Fraud
As Internet use among Senior Citizens increases, so does their chances to fall victim to Internet Fraud. Internet Fraud includes non-delivery of items ordered over the Internet and credit/debit card fraud. Please visit the FBI's "Internet Fraud" webpage (http://www.fbi.gov/majcases/fraud/internetschemes.htm) for details about these crimes and tips to protect your self.
Investment Schemes
Senior Citizens, as they plan for retirement, may fall victim to investment schemes. These may include Advance Fee Schemes, Variable Annuity Insurance scams, Prime Bank Note Schemes, Pyramid Schemes, and Nigerian Letter Fraud schemes. Please visit the "Common Fraud Schemes" webpage (http://www.fbi.gov/majcases/fraud/fraudschemes.htm) for more information about these crimes and tips for protection.
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