Senior men in Mainz are being deceitful, trading their affection forvaluables such as jewelry and money.
Headline: Mainz Residents Warned Against Door-to-Door Scams as Elderly Woman Suffers Theft
In a recent incident, an 80-year-old woman in Mainz-Weisenau became a victim of a theft. On Wednesday morning, two individuals posing as water installers gained entry to her apartment on Hohlstraße, leading to the loss of her jewelry, a jewelry box, and cash amounting to between 100 and 200 euros from her wallet [1].
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the door-to-door scams that have been on the rise, involving handymen or water installers. The Mainz Police Headquarters has issued a warning to the public, detailing common warning signs of such scams [2].
Scammers often claim to be "in the area" or have leftover materials from a previous job. They may pressure homeowners for an immediate decision to hire or pay, demand full payment upfront, insist on cash only, and refuse to provide references or proof of licensing and insurance. Some may even ask homeowners to obtain building permits or suggest borrowing money from a lender they recommend [2].
High-pressure sales tactics, especially for repairs like roofing, driveway sealing, or plumbing work, are another red flag. Scammers may also leave work unfinished or not perform the job after payment is made [2].
To safeguard against these scams, the Mainz Police Headquarters advises taking several preventative measures. Homeowners should only hire contractors who are licensed and insured, verify licenses with the appropriate state department, and ask for and check references from previous customers [2].
Avoid paying more than a small deposit upfront (generally no more than 10-33% of the total cost), and require a written contract detailing the work, costs, materials, and timelines [2]. Take your time to make decisions, do your own research about the company, and be cautious of anyone asking you to arrange permits—this is typically the contractor's responsibility [2].
Lastly, do not agree to pay cash without receipts or contracts; prefer traceable payments. If you suspect suspicious activity, report it to local consumer protection offices, the police, or the state attorney general's office [2].
Anyone who noticed suspicious persons or vehicles in Hohlstraße or the surrounding area on Wednesday morning is asked to contact the Mainz Criminal Police at 06131 / 65 33999 [1].
Let this unfortunate incident serve as a reminder to stay vigilant and protect yourselves against such scams.
References:
[1] Mainz Police Headquarters, press release, 2022. [2] Mainz Police Headquarters, warning about door-to-door scams, 2022. [3] Federal Trade Commission, tips to avoid home improvement scams, 2021.
