Marlborough Mesa

2-14-03
Paul and Jen Simpson (POSADA) wanted to inform the neighborhood of a possible security system scam. Here's what happened to them:

Friday evening, around 6pm, we were visited by a young man purporting to work for a security company who's name we did not recognize. He stated that he was talking to people in the neighborhood to see who might be interested in a home security system, and that some others from his company would be coming around at a later time to demonstrate the systems, could he place a stake in the yard so they'd know to stop at our house?

When asked for a business card, or proof of the company he worked for, he did not provide anything, although he claimed to have ID and everything in writing, he said all he wanted to do was put a stake in the yard.

We called Mesa PD to report suspicious activity, but have not heard back from them yet (It's only been an hour).

The young man was around 20 years old, approx 6 feet 1 inch tall, average build, straw colored curly/wavy hair. He was wearing a dark colored, long sleeved dress shirt that was untucked.

---Although he may have been legitimate, it sounds like he may have been casing the neighborhood for homes w/o security systems. I have heard of similar techniques being used in other neighborhoods.





By Neighborhood Alert System

Another?

2-21-03 From Suzanne Weaver (PAMPA)
A girl in her late teens/early twenties was walking on Pampa around 5:30 PM tonight, telling the residents that she works for a security company. Just like last week, she is talking to people in the neighborhood to see who might be interested in a home security system, and that some others from her company would be coming around at a later time to demonstrate the systems, and could she place a stake in the yard so they'd know to stop at only at the designated houses.

Same story as last time. When she was asked for a business card, or proof of the company she worked for, she did not provide anything, although she claimed to have ID and everything in writing, she said all she wanted to do was put a stake in the yard.

The girl is dark haired, thin build, wearing glasses, and in a burgandy dress. If you see her or are approached by someone with the same story, call Mesa PD at 644-2211 to report this suspicious activity.

It doesn't appear that she's legitimate, it sounds like she may have been casing the neighborhood for homes w/o security systems. Similar techniques have been used in other neighborhoods.



By Neighborhood Alert System

One more

2-21-03
From the Bensons (PECOS)
I just had a man approach from ''counter-force USA'' . i did not open the door. And when I asked what this was about, my dog started barking. Upon hearing the dog bark, he said ''never mind'' and left headed west on Pecos.

I have contacted the Mesa police who are sending a car over.

This is a white male approx 30 with leather jacket and jeans.

Just wanted to give you a heads up.



By Neighborhood Alert System

Yet another via phone

I received a phone call from a young lady who lives alone. The same set of circumstances happened to her. She was frightened and did not open the door.

But even more disturbing to her was that they knew her name and that she lived alone. The name of a homeowner is usually public record ... except ... when they mentioned that she lived alone. She denied that and closed the door.

People who are legitimately selling thing -- anything -- usually have some ID or can at least tell you the NAME of the company.

The Bensons did get a name ... ''Counter-Force USA''. Has anyone else gotten a name? Please reply to this message if you have OR if you have had these people at your door.

By Neighborhood Alert System