Mar 6, 2008 8:22 pm US/Eastern
New Scam Targets Elderly In Brooklyn
Thieves Pose As DEP Workers, Demand Payment
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
There's a new warning for homeowners in Brooklyn. Thieves posing as Department of Environmental Protection inspectors are talking the elderly out of cash. CBS 2 HD has what you need to know to protect yourself from being had.
Broadies Key is shaken up after her neighbor, Annette Snag, was robbed inside her Flatbush home by a man pretending to be an inspector for the DEP.
"It's very bad. She's very fortunate no one hit her," Key said.
The elderly woman and landlord is one of at least three people victimized by a DEP imposter in Brooklyn. Denise Porter is her tenant.
"He told her she would have to pay $25, but she didn't have any change," Porter said. "So she went to go get her change. And when she came back her wallet was gone and he was gone too."
Here's how the imposters have been operating: They go to a home posing as DEP inspectors and claim they're there to collect on an unpaid bill or to fix a broken meter. Then they demand cash for the bill or the service.
"And that's a big give away. Our DEP inspectors and contractor will never ask for any cash for payment for services that need for services needed as far as repairs," said Kevin Milosky, DEP director of field operations.
DEP inspectors will sometimes show up unannounced but will always travel in marked vehicles and dress in uniform.
"You'll have the uniform with the DEP logo on the side," DEP supervisor Ruben Hernandez said. "You'll have the city ID and also the badge. It may not be on the jacket but customers can request and they'll pull it out on request."
And DEP officials say always call the company if you have any doubts.
DEP employees may not be wearing uniforms if they're responding to emergency situations. But they must always carry and present their photo ID.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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