AFFTON AREA ALERTS--SCAM & CON ARTIST

AREA ALERTS

We posted some information about scams several months ago, but the warm weather seems to bring out the scammers & con artists again, so we are reposting some information. Since we have a large number of senior citizens in our area and the con artists target them, we ask that you pass along this information to any friends, relatives or neighbors who may be targeted by the con artists.

BURGLARY/ CON ARTIST REMINDER FROM THE 3RD PRECINCT:

Our area has not had any recent reports; however, St. Louis City has had reports lately of “Gypsy Scams” in the South City area.  During these scams, a homeowner is approached by an individual.  While the victim is distracted by the suspect, an accomplice will enter the residence and steal valuables (typically jewelry.)

Generally, the suspect will attempt to lead the victim to another location away from the doorway, such as the side of the residence to point out needed maintenance work that they are purported to be soliciting and the accomplice will then sneak in.

In the past, similar occurrences happened under the ruse that the suspects were utility workers (wearing reflective vests and hard hats) and needing to show homeowners where work is needing to be done.

Please remind neighbors to report any suspicious activity related to solicitors immediately.

AMEREN MISSOURI ALERT

Thieves have been calling some of our (Ameren) customers and demanding payment of their electric bill over the phone or risk disconnection. Often, they’ll insist on payment by a Green Dot MoneyPak card. Don’t fall for this scheme. Once you give a thief the Personal Information Number (PIN) from the card, your money is gone.

Ameren Missouri representatives never call to demand payment. We never ask for personal information—such as Social Security number or account number—over the phone.

Never give your credit card, debit card, Social Security, ATM, checking or saving account numbers to anyone who calls or sends an email requesting this information.

Never allow anyone into your business who wants to check your electrical wiring, natural gas pipes or appliances unless you have scheduled an appointment or have reported a natural gas leak and the person has proper identification.

Ameren Missouri employees always carry photo identification, which includes name, employee number, and an official Ameren Missouri logo.