What Are Home Invasion Scams?
People who are concerned about home security in Miami have likely been reading about recent reports of home invasions. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that burglars only rob empty homes, but some actually look for occupied homes, using a ruse to gain entry. They do not have to break in because the homeowner freely lets them inside their front door. They take advantage of people’s trusting natures and use scams that have been successful in the past. Whatever the case may be, they know how to bypass the occupant’s reasoning ability and take advantage of those who are not paying attention and off guard. For this reason, having ADT Miami systems in place, you can have that extra layer of security. Let’s take a look at some of the most common home invasion scams so that homeowners will not fall prey to these dangerous people.
People who commit home invasions typically work more on weekends and at night when homes tend to be occupied. They usually work in teams and use violence as part of their methodology. The front door is the usual entry point to the home. They rely upon the homeowner having any alarm system or cameras turned off. They take advantage of the fact that many people automatically open the door when someone is knocking.
Car Trouble
One day someone hears a knock at their door. They look outside and see a car parked on the street with its hood up and several people gathered around it. The person knocking at their door says they need to use their phone to call a tow truck. In this case, they are playing on their sympathy in an attempt to get them to open their door. Once they do, they have them. Homeowners should not let them inside, but instead offer to call a tow truck for them. When it comes to home security Miami residents cannot be too careful.
Package Delivery
This home invasion scam involves an unexpected delivery. Sometimes the person will call in advance to let the homeowner know to be expecting them. The call is only to make sure they are home when they arrive. Once the homeowner opens the door to provide a signature for the package, they will be in the home. Homeowners should instruct any deliveryman who is unexpected to leave packages at the door. Do not open the door until they have left. If your home is equipped with an ADT Miami system and you don’t open the door, you won’t have to worry about an unexpected attack on your property.
Too Good To Be True Scams
There are several forms of this scam. It can involve someone wearing a uniform telling the homeowner that they have free plants for landscaping left over from a job a neighbor had done. They will say that they will do the job for free upon the signing of a form. This tempting offer is to get the homeowner to open the door. The uniform helps convey a sense of authority of the person being who they claim to be.
Many Forms
There are too many scams to actually list here. New ones are developed constantly. In many, the home invader will dress as an official with a uniform. They may appear to be delivery men, utility workers, plumbers, electricians, or landscapers. Some of them use props, like a tool box or fake ID to lend further credibility to their ruse. In these cases, homeowners should not fear making them wait at the door while they phone their supposed employer. If they are legitimate, they will not mind.
Security Systems in Miami
Homeowners with security systems in Miami are more secure if they have a remote camera that they can use to view people outside their door. This can give them a chance to examine a person and tell if something about their story does not fit. It can also show them how many people they are dealing with. Cameras are an added layer of ADT Miami home security for Miami residents.
Residents are advised to keep their doors and windows locked. Make use of ADT Miami security systems and cameras if available. Many residents with security systems in Miami have remote cameras that they can take advantage of. Homeowners should have a plan in place so that if someone should gain entry, they know what to do. They should also keep personal protection like pepper spray or stun guns nearby just in case.
