Thomas Catri, Chief of Patrol
Occasionally, the Patrol will notice a vehicle parked at the Clubhouse or in the Post Office parking lot with a For Sale sign on it. SunBird residents, please do not bring your vehicle down to these areas with the intent to park and leave your vehicle while attempting to sell it. Doing so takes up a much needed parking spot for other residents, guest or visitors to use.
Smoke detector checks — Is your smoke detector in your home chirping or dead? The Chandler Fire, Health and Medical Department provides free smoke detector checks for any resident in a single-family home in Chandler. The checks are performed by trained volunteers. To request a smoke detector check, call 480-782-2160.
Beware of door-to-door solicitors. These unwanted predators ring your doorbell or pound on your door. Answer the door, and you will hear one of their stories, such as last week, I was down the street repairing your neighbor’s roof and noticed a potential problem with your roof. Do you mind if I use my ladder and take a look? Others will say that your house needs to be pressure-washed and then painted. I’ve got paint left over in the truck. Solicitors usually doing this are roofers, painters and landscapers, but can be anyone trying to sell you something without your first contacting them. Don’t let them on your roof or in your house. Call the Patrol at 480-797-8605 immediately and provide us a description of the vehicle, people and direction of travel.
IRS Telephone Scam — It’s tax time again. Last year at this time, the Patrol received a few calls from our residents stating that somebody during a phone call threatened to arrest them. What happened was the caller, stating to be a representative for the IRS Enforcement Division, tells you that there is a warrant for your arrest for taxes due. He or she further states that they can correct the problem if you provide them your personal information, such as bank account information or your social security number. This is a scam. Criminals pose as the IRS to trick victims out of their money or personal information. Never give your personal information to anyone you don’t know. If you receive this type of call, hang up immediately. Stay alert to scams that use the IRS as a lure. Tax scams can also happen any time of year, not just at tax time.
There are many common scams and frauds. Scammers continue to get increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to get your money or personal details. Scams in the United States succeed because they look like the real thing and catch you off guard when you’re not expecting it. They also exploit your desire to be polite and respectful, as well as your generosity, compassion and good nature. There are many practical tips to help you stay a step ahead. Before you give up your money or personal information, talk to someone you trust, slow down, check out the story, do an online search, consult an expert or just tell a friend. Don’t let the bad guy win!
If you haven’t done so yet, avoid phone scams by registering your home and cell phone numbers with the National Do Not Call Registry or by calling 1-888-382-1222. It won’t stop all unsolicited calls, but it will stop most.