Currently, scammers are taking advantage of the elderly's anxiety about illness, their desire for extra income, and their kindness to carry out many sophisticated scams. In addition to online scams, they also commit direct scams at home by impersonating […] from Beware of scams at home
by
Editor CLD
schedule10/12/2025
Currently, scammers are taking advantage of the elderly's anxiety about illness, their desire for extra income, and their kindness to carry out many sophisticated scams. In addition to online scams, direct scams at home by impersonating public employees and officials are also one of the most dangerous scams against the elderly.
Unlike online fraud, this form carries double risks: loss of property and direct threat to the security and physical safety of the elderly in their own homes.
Criminals often travel in groups (2 or more people), dressed in worker uniforms (electricity, water supply, telecommunications) or formal attire (ward officials, marketing staff) to create a reputable cover.
Scenario 1: “Emergency Technical Inspection” (Theft of Property)
Bait: The thief reported a dangerous incident (gas leak, electrical short circuit, contaminated water line) and needed to enter the house to check immediately.
Act: One subject will lure the homeowner to check, talking to distract them. The other subject will quickly rummage through the cabinets and safes to steal money and gold.
Bait: Pretending to be ward officials to collect "new" fees, donations, or ask for signatures confirming subsidy policies.
Act: Require victims to pay cash on the spot (without receipt or fake receipt). More dangerously, they can trick victims into signing large-value sales contracts or property transfer papers under the guise of "attendance papers" or "confirmation papers".
Signs of recognition
No appointment: Electricity/water employees usually have a schedule of pre-notifications or send SMS messages. Sudden appearances are a suspicious sign.
Push to open: Show impatience, threaten to "cut off electricity/water" if not let in immediately.
Cash Request: Claiming strange charges that are not included in the monthly bill.
Missing documents: Not wearing employee ID card, or card printed poorly, no red stamp, refused to let documents be reviewed carefully.
Response procedures
“Door Locked” Principle: Always look through a peephole, window or camera before opening the door.
Cross-check: Ask the stranger to wait outside. Call the official switchboard of the unit (electricity, network operator) to verify whether they have sent staff to the area or not.
No cash transactions at home: Refuse to pay any fees that are not clearly communicated in writing/official invoices.
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