Traveling scam artists

[tjjeepjeep]

Saw this on cincinnati.com, thought I'd share.

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/eyeonthe...olice-warning/

3:23 pm, Apr 25, 2011 | Written by lwakeland
The Irish Travelers will likely end up in Cincinnati, according to an alert from the Mariemont Police Department.

Area law enforcement agencies received information that the Irish Travelers will arrive in two to three weeks, the alert said. The group has several scams that target residents and senior citizens, the alert said.

These include:

• Black Top Scam – The black top scam consists of taking advantage of consumers by doing cosmetic work and over charging.
• Tree Cutting Scam – The tree cutting scam consists of asking the resident to show them where the property line is located. They will distract the victim long enough for another group of travelers to enter the home and steal valuables.
• Water/Gas/Electric Meter Reader – They act like meter readers and gain access to the house. They will also distract the victim so another group can enter and steal valuables.

The group will arrive in 25-30 vehicles and will possibly stay in Mason, the alert said. Members are generally 14 years or older and the Irish Travelers intend to operate throughout the Greater Cincinnati region, the alert said.

Citizens should call 911 or their local police department to report suspicious activity, the alert said.