Thieves often appropriate a false identity and use all kinds of tricks to easily gain access to different addresses. This is what is happening in Cantabria. The National Police has warned of a scam by criminals who impersonate personnel from gas, electricity, plumbing companies or television antenna technicians to enter homes, especially those of the elderly, and appropriate valuables and collect data, such as checking accounts.

As explained by the Police, the first step is to make a call to their future victims. Through this first contact, they identify themselves as workers of this type of company and inform them of a future visit to their home for a supposed promotional campaign or to fix a technical problem..

Then comes a series of questions that are intended to collect some personal information about these people.. They ask them questions such as how many people reside in the home, their schedules and routines, as well as other personal data, indicating that in subsequent days they will visit their home.

Special attention to the elderly

In this way they make sure that the people they have contacted will be at home. After a few days, the scammers show up at the victim's home with the excuse that they are going to fix various technical problems.. In addition, they may ask for the account number to return the money for that fraudulent arrangement or revision.. That is the moment they take advantage of to wander around the home and steal some valuable object..

According to the Police, this type of crime is currently having an impact in the region, which is why it alerts citizens and, in particular, the group of older people, so that they take extreme precautions.. They also recommend that, in the event of a call of these characteristics, personal data is not provided and that, in case of suspected fraud, the Police be informed as soon as possible, providing the agents with all the information that is remembered..

Another important recommendation is not to open the door of the house or allow access to it to people who say they belong to household supply companies if it has not been requested (gas, electricity, water or internet technicians).. Nor to those who claim to be technicians, doctors, nurses or health services who come to provide home assistance; nor to those who say they represent the Administration or are food distributors of a large area without having made a prior purchase.