January 11, 2013
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 7
Scam alert: Look out for ‘free’ money As a young man, my father had many sayings. “There’s no free lunch” and “If it sounds too good to be true, it is” were two of his favorites. Lately, there’s been several “if it sounds too good to be true…” stories in the news. The scenario usually goes like this. You receive a call at your home and a wonderfully cheerful, friendly person explains you have won millions in a lottery, been awarded a huge insurance claim, or a long-lost wealthy relative (one you never even knew you had) has passed away, leaving you riches beyond your belief. You need only to send a small check, a few hundred dollars, or provide a credit card number to handle the processing and the money will be yours. Often, the nice person says, “we were at your home this morning and tried to drop off the check, but nobody was home.” They go on to describe your home in detail. At first you are convinced this is a scam. But
CHRIS THORSEN
BEHIND
BADGE
THE
slowly your steely resolve begins to dwindle. You say to yourself, “this can’t be true, but what if…?” Greed begins to creep in, suddenly you find yourself with your wallet in hand giving a credit card number or writing a check. These scam artists often target elderly people. They are good at what they do; they’re charming and convincing. They have an answer for every question; even the most suspicious people can sometimes fall prey. Unfortunately, once a person has been victim-
ized, they are often so embarrassed they won’t call family or the police for help. A few things to remember: no legitimate business requires you to give them money so you can receive an award. The caller was never at your home to drop off a check. They viewed your house on the Internet and are able to describe your residence because they were looking at a picture of it when they called. The credit card number or checking account number you provided is probably being fraudulently used before you even finish the call. Often the scammer will provide a call-back number so you may contact them. The number is usually an 800 or similar number. When you call, the phone is answered and you may even talk to a legitimate sounding secretary or receptionist. The receptionist will answer your questions and often even connect you to the scammer you have been dealing with.
Be forewarned, the number you’re calling is typically not in the United States. The scammers in these cases are in the Bahamas, Eastern Europe or some other foreign land. Because the suspects are in another country, the cases are difficult, if not impossible, to investigate and prosecute. Technology has brought us many wonderful things. You can access the Library of Congress from your living room. Research can be conducted on any given topic in the comfort of our homes. Unfortunately there are those who use this technology for illegal purposes. This type of scam often succeeds because the caller has so much information about you it appears legitimate. The best advice I can give is the advice my father gave me: “If it sounds too good to be true, IT IS!” Chris Thorsen is Clayton’s chief of police. For questions and comments, call him at (925) 673-7350.
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Police Activity for three weeks ending Jan. 3, 2013 ACCIDENTS: None. ARRESTS: Dec. 14, 1:10 a.m. Clayton Rd./Peacock Creek Dr. A 33-yearold Antioch male was arrested for DUI; suspended license; driving
Dec. 14, 12:51 p.m. Clayton Rd./Lydia Ln. A 35-year-old Concord male was arrested for a suspended license after being stopped for a Vehicle Code violation. Dec. 16, 9:53 a.m. 5400 blk Clayton Rd. A 58-year-old Martinez
Station 11, from page 1 emergencies in Concord, Walnut Creek and even East County,” she says. “The whole fire district will be spread thin.” One of the mayor's top concerns, however, is that with less emergency resources available, Clayton police officers will be asked to respond to cardiac emergencies, since they carry automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in their vehicles. “That is not a position we want our officers to be in,” says Pierce, “having to chose between responding to a crime in progress or a medical emergency.” Clayton Police Chief Chris Thorsen shares her concern. “Our role is in law enforcement, and to protect the people and property of Clayton,” he says. “We've never been considered front-line medical responders. And as great as my guys are, they can't be two places at once. I hope it's a choice they don't have to make.” Some residents and local officials are angry that Clayton's one station has been designated for closure, while Station 22 in
Crystyl Ranch is to remain open, and its firefighters used to staff Station 11. However, both Lauder and Supervisor Karen Mitchoff say that data on calls – including the time and day of the emergency – helped make the decision. “Because of the traffic on Ygnacio Valley Road in the afternoons, it makes sense to have someone in Clayton, so they won't have to fight the gridlock,” Lauder says. Mitchoff says she is frustrated and angry over having to close any stations, and believes that the public's anger of high pensions paid out in neighboring fire districts helped fuel the defeat of Measure Q. “People are angry, they want pension reform,” she says. “But our fire district is not the one that has had those problems. And we're working hard to keep it that way.” Local residents will have an opportunity to hear details of the fire district's plan at a 7 p.m. meeting on Jan. 23, in the Library Community Room.
Dec. 27, 1:13 a.m. Clayton Rd./Mitchell Canyon Rd. A 22year-old Oakley female was arrested for DUI; driving on suspended license after being stopped for a Vehicle Code violation.
Dec. 18, 4:56 a.m. Clayton Rd./Washington Blvd. A 43-yearold Antioch male was arrested on warrant; probation violation after being contacted by officers during a traffic stop.
BURGLARIES/THEFTS: Dec. 16, Mt. Everest Ct. Petty Theft. Dec. 19, La Honda Ct. Petty Theft. Dec. 21, Wallace Dr. Petty Theft. Dec. 21, Clark Creek Cr. Petty Theft. Dec. 28, Main St. Petty Theft.
Dec. 24, 9:52 p.m. 1300 blk Shell Ln. A 35-year-old Clayton male was arrested for corporal injury to spouse/cohabitant after
VANDALISMS: Dec. 21, Kirker Pass Rd. Jan. 2, Falcon Pl.
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Dec. 28, 12:35 a.m. Clayton Rd./Tara Dr. A 23-year-old Concord male was arrested for driving on suspended license after being stopped for a Vehicle Code violation.
Dec. 20, 2:11 a.m. Pine Hollow Rd./Mitchell Canyon Rd. A 24year-old Concord male was arrested for DUI; public intoxication; warrant after being stopped for a Vehicle Code violation. A 22-year-old male passenger from Concord was arrested for public intoxication. A 27-year-old Clayton male passenger was also arrested for an outstanding warrant.
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