Criminals are increasingly disguised into utilities: electrician, Gazmiers, plumbing. Their goal is to enter the house, have access to everything or collect personal data. These plans are so convincing that both communication as well as normally cannot help. Rambler will tell you how fake experts work and how to protect yourself.
Scenario 1: “You have gas leak”
One of the most dangerous techniques is a fear game. A man in uniform coat and with a folder in his hand reported that gas leaks were recorded in the house. He performed certificates, confident actions and asked immediately to take it into the apartment to check the device.
Reality:
There is no gas service to conduct a sudden inspection without an official notice. All gas workers have a prescription with signatures and seals, and most often they work with a district or manager.
Soviet:
Call your management company or emergency gas service (the number specified in the receipt) and specify whether the employee is sent or not. Do not open the door to confirm.
You have said that you are in trouble and I believe: The scammers are making votes of vote
Scenario 2: “Check electric meter”
Pseudo -Electrics often come with urgent needs to reflect the counter, check the base or replace the metering device. Their goal is to enter the apartment, check houses, steal or make an unnecessary replacement for an impressive amount of money.
Reality:
The counters check the plan, with a notice for three to ten days. At the same time, the staff is required to have a form with the logo, certificate and address registration of the organization. Without your consent, they cannot go to the apartment.
Soviet:
The need to display directions to verify and check the date with the receipt or the supplier's website. Do not let anyone go out as possible.
Scenario 3: “Disinfection by cockroach”
Scammers can be introduced by toilets and epidemiology, talking about insect flash at the entrance and urgent need to handle the apartment. They proposed to sign an action in which the amount for the services is specified with the small print.
Reality:
Such actions require approval with residents and advertising posted in the first entrance. No SES works without applications and contracts.
Soviet:
Do not sign anything from the threshold. Read documents carefully, especially the small font of the Viking people. The disinfectants really do not require local money.
How to distinguish fake certificates?
Scammers often use fake documents – documents with icons, barcodes, images and impressive seals, but in reality does not confirm anything.
What should be wary:
- A blurry or printed picture on the home printer;
- lack of days and number of documents;
- The company's name does not coincide with your manager;
- No symbols or news of the organization;
- They refuse to offer a document or do not display the front.
Why does it work?
This is a classical social technique – a technique in which the victim is tensed or trusted so that it is impulsive. Fear of gas, electricity or fine is a strong lever. Elderly and lonely citizens are especially vulnerable.
The mechanism is very simple: First – pressure (threat of leaking, fire, good), then – legalization (forms, certificates, direct orders), and finally – quick rejection: signature, payment, access to the apartment.
How to protect yourself and your loved ones?
- Always check your personality. Request displaying documents, sending flashlights, taking photos. These employees do not bother to check.
- Call the official number. Not what guests specify, but what in your receipt on official websites.
- Install video and one contact with a record. This restraints the attackers and helps the police in the event of an incident.
- Teach the elderly relatives. Say an action algorithm to them: not open, not sign, do not pay without checking.
- Do not be afraid to refuse. You have all the rights not to let anyone go to the apartment without a warning and confirmation.
What to do if you face scammers
- Take photos of documents, clothes, faces;
- Call 112 and describe the situation;
- Warning your neighbors;
- Write a statement to the police – even if the crime is not done, this may be helpful in other cases.
Modern scammers have become the mastery of camouflage. They do not hack laptops – they enter the apartment with a folder and a smile. Do not let yourself manipulate. Your perception is the best protection against social techniques.
We said earlier About the fraud plan against the summer residents.