Protect Your Home: Identifying Fake Cable Technicians & Scams

One way that attackers gain entrance into people's homes is by posing as a service person, such as a cable guy. They will often dress the part, knock on doors and then claim to be there to fix the cable. These impostors will say that their company sent them and that they need to speak with you or get into the house to do their jobs. Often, they're capable con artists who know exactly what to say when you pose questions to them.

Things You'll Need

• Telephone
• Phone book

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Instructions

• 1

  Leave the door closed and locked when there is a cable worker on the other side. Do not open the door even with a chain lock engaged. Chain locks will not stop a criminal who wants to enter your home.

• 2

  Keep your phone handy as you talk through the door to the alleged cable guy. If you do not remember making an appointment with the cable company, do not trust the person on the other side of the door if he says you did.

• 3

  Ask the cable worker which company he represents and his name. If he is forthcoming with the information, ask him to wait a moment and then go call the company. Give the representative on the phone the alleged name of the man standing at the door, ask if it sent him and ask if he needs access to your home to get the job done.

• 4

  React to any suspicious activity on the part of the cable guy with a phone call to the police. If the man tries the doorknob without you telling him to come in, refuses to give you his name or gets aggressive in any way, discreetly move into another room and call 911.

• 5

  Call the police if the cable company cannot confirm that it has a worker at your residence. Do not attempt to confront the man at the door alone. Do not alert him to the fact that you are calling the police, as he may try to break in and stop you.