Every year from November, criminals pose as garbage collectors, firefighters or postmen to sell you fake calendars. Pretending to collect gifts or donations for organizations, these usurpers are full of imagination to make you spend as much money as possible. Even more, they sometimes take advantage of this moment to enter your apartment and steal your valuables, when your back is turned.
Recurring since 2010, it is one of the most important seasonal scams because it affects many people, especially the most vulnerable. But how to guard against these fake sellers? Answer !
How to recognize and avoid these scams?
The Home Office has given some advice on how to avoid these pitfalls:
- Find out about the regulations in force in your city:
In some towns, municipal agents (garbage collectors, sewer workers, etc.) and agents of private waste collection companies are prohibited from collecting freebies or donations. This is particularly the case in Paris.
- Don’t open your door to just anyone and don’t let strangers into your home:
When your doorbell rings, always check through the peephole or the crack in the door that you know the person. If you don’t know the person and still want to give a gift, don’t bring the stranger into your home. Some criminals take advantage of this to steal objects or scout them with the idea of coming back to rob you later. You never know who you might run into!
- Ask for the professional card:
Anyone selling calendars must have a business card, or must at least present themselves in uniform if applicable. Be aware, however, that the national police, gas, water and electricity agents do not sell calendars.
- Beware of multiple sellers :
Indeed, it could be a ploy. While one person is keeping you busy, the other is stealing your belongings or scouting out the place.
- Pay attention to the calendarr in himself :
This calendar must feature the official logo of the institution or organization in question. Other clues can give you a flea in your ear: spelling mistakes, bad year, quality of photographs…
- Always ask for a stamped receipt:
If the person is unable to give you a donation certificate, then it may be a scam. Firefighters, for example, will systematically give one, regardless of the amount of your donation.
- Make your loved ones aware:
It is essential to warn your loved ones, especially if they are elderly, isolated or vulnerable people, who are the preferred target of this type of practice.
Did you know : Calendars are never sold at a fixed price. You are therefore free to make a donation of the amount of your choice!
How do I report this type of scam?
You can report any suspicious person by calling 17 or 112. Collect as much information as possible about the suspicious seller (vehicle, clothes, etc.).
Did you know ? For theft with cunning, false canvassers can be sentenced to a 7-year sentence and to pay a fine of 100,000 euros.
LR