Newark Police Discover New Scam

Law enforcement officials unearthed a new scam in Newark Wednesday that targets senior citizens, and are advising residents to be on alert.

Police said they received a report that a con artist was trying to scam her way into the wallet of a Newark man.

A woman called him to tell him about a deal on heating and air conditioning unit inspections. She said she would be “in his area next week” and then tried to talk him into telling her his address. Even though she said she could do it “half price” for $60, the man said no deal.

Newark police said calls such as this one could lead to one of two scenarios. 

The person could arrive to inspect the equipment and then find a major problem that will be expensive to fix.  

“The more likely scenario is that they will repair or replace nothing,” said Tim Jones, police spokesperson. “The second likely scenario is that while the 'technician' is distracting the homeowner with the furnace-air conditioner issues, a second 'technician' will be roaming the house looking for valuables to steal,” Jones said. A similar scam led to multiple burglaries last month. 

Police say residents should not allow someone into their home unless they trust them and to research people who are offering a deal.