NewsPhoenix Metro NewsCentral Phoenix News

Actions

Scammers caught targeting home security systems in Phoenix

Posted at 10:23 PM, Sep 03, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-04 01:23:49-04

Scammers are targeting some Arizonan's security, by exploiting their security systems.

One Phoenix man said he was almost a victim at his home near Encanto Park.

Unlike many scams over the phone or internet, the security scammers were going door to door and looking the part with iPads in hand.

Dave Baumann's had a lot of door knocks in his 36 years at this home, but last week was an unusual one.

"These guys had iPads; they were well dressed...they seemed to work like a well-oiled machine," he said.

They were slick, but it did not feel right to Baumann.

"There is too much stuff here that I don’t like, and my gut is telling me don’t mess with them," he said, recounting the experience.

It all started, Baumann thinks, when the two men noticed the security sign by the front porch.

"They started talking with me about how long I’ve had it and would I be interested in upgrading my control panel? And it would be free, of course," he said, reciting the pitch.

Baumann was skeptical, and there were red flags.

"Not being able to get a straight answer about who they were representing," he said. So he was equally non-committal.

"I just kind of played dumb and said I am not understanding you guys. Would you please come back on Friday morning? 'Yeah, sure.' They never came back," said Baumann.

The thieves are lucky they never returned, because Baumann was planning to take their photos for Phoenix Police. He confirmed his suspicions after calling his security company.

"When I called the company they said we’ve heard about this, we get this all the time. We don’t do business this way," he said. "It's a common, popular scam."

It is unclear if the devious duo wanted cash or were planning a home break-in.

"I just didn’t want to get that far," he said.

Neighbors in the area were upset to hear about the scam.

"I don’t like that at all. Because I know my grandkids come home and they be by themselves sometimes while I am at work," said Samuel Bauman, who lives nearby.

Fortunately for the neighborhood, Baumann was able to fend off the scammers without getting hurt or losing a penny.

"Be very leery of anybody coming to your door pay attention to what they’re saying," he said.

Do not let solicitors or people at your door inside your home unless an appointment is set and you have specifically requested the company.

Also, do not be afraid to ask for identification and proof of employment.

If you feel you may have been scammed or encountered criminals, call your local police department.