NYPD Scam Alerts About Town

Focused on scams that involve opening your door to someone you don't know, the NYPD has signs around the neighborhood warning residents (in English and Spanish) about scams and advising them about how to avoid them.

Some of the tips given:

* Never allow anyone inside without an appointment or proper ID; even if ID is shown, call your utility company to verify.
* Keep a check on neighbors, be alert to anyone looking to perform home repairs and asking for entry.
* Immediately report any suspicious activity to the police. This can be a 911 call, based on what we were told at a June Community Council meeting.

Types of scams:

Imposter: Utility Worker Scam - claiming there is an emergency, claiming you must give cash or service will be shut off, asking to see a bill.

Stranger Scam: Claiming to be a victim of a crime (call 911 for them, and say so), claiming his car broke down "up the block," claiming a sick family member is in the car, claiming to be looking for someone at your address and needing help with a new address.

The sheets also provide numbers to assist in our vigilance:
Con-Ed: 1800 75CONED DEP: 718 595 7000 National Grid: 1800 642 4272

Crack-Down I Can Believe In

According to the NY Post, and relayed by Gothamist.com, on Thursday the NYPD is going to start a crack-down on people who drive while talking on cell phones. It has been a no-no since 2001, but now it's even more naughty. (Does it include texting? No, but it should. That's even worse!) I, for one, say: "Hurrah!" But I also say: "Hmmmm. This have been prompted by safety concerns and not fundraising concerns." All's well that end's well, as Pa Ingalls used to say.

A question that perhaps someone can answer for me: Is it illegal to be on the phone at a red light? Is it a moving car, or a car that's in use and not pulled over? This is very important since I've been known to make quick "I'll be there in three minutes" calls at red lights. It's all about me, you see. ;)