Denver Police Warn About Thieves Preying On The Elderly

DENVER (CBS4) - Denver police are warning residents about thieves preying on elderly citizens.

Sonny Jackson with Denver police said recently officers investigated a case in which two Hispanic males posing as electrical workers went to the home of an 82-year-old woman.

"They told her she was due a refund from the electric company and asked her for a copy of her bill," Jackson said in a statement. "She let the suspects into her home while she went to retrieve a copy of the bill."

Jackson said one of the men told her she was due a $60 refund but they only had a $100 bill and asked if she had change.

"The woman retrieved a second folder and gave them change out of that folder. One of the suspects distracted the victim by inquiring about a truck in the victim's backyard," Jackson said.

While the victim and one of the suspects went into the backyard the other suspect stayed in the house and took the folder with the victim's money. The victim didn't realize it was gone until the suspects left.

The victim immediately called police.

Tips From Denver Police

-- Don't be afraid to be rude. You are not obligated to open the door for anyone you don't know. Don't open the door to anyone before you've checked who it is – look out of the window or use a spy hole in your door.

-- If you open the door, keep the chain on while you find out who is calling and what they want. If you're not expecting someone and you don't know them, don't let them into your home, no matter what they say to you.

-- If a caller is legitimate they will understand your concerns. If someone claims to be from a company, such as a gas or electricity provider, always double check their identity – see the section below for tips on how to do that properly.

-- If someone is asking for a favor, such as to use your bathroom, borrow a pen or retrieve a ball, don't let them in. Instead direct them to a shop, office or public place. It's only natural to want to help someone, but sadly that's one of the techniques often used by distraction burglars.

-- If you have any concerns about someone who has called at your door, call police immediately. If you have a chance try to note what they look like and any vehicle they have with them, so police can investigate.