Scammer Alert - 2 men in high viz pretending to be from the County

[PootleK]

In Spanish Springs area, 2 men dressed in high viz, going door to door pretending they're from the county (never said which one, they didn't seem to know this is Lake County) and trying to give out grant money to selected homes to save money on electricity bills.
They wanted to scan my utility bill to see if they could save me money.
Just say no thanks and close the door. Please let your neighbors know too.

[Rainger99]

In Spanish Springs area, 2 men dressed in high viz, going door to door pretending they're from the county (never said which one, they didn't seem to know this is Lake County) and trying to give out grant money to selected homes to save money on electricity bills.
They wanted to scan my utility bill to see if they could save me money.
Just say no thanks and close the door. Please let your neighbors know too.

Were they trying to sell solar panels?

[PootleK]

Were they trying to sell solar panels?
I suspect so, or trying to sell something similar, but that's not what they said. They told me they worked for the county and were really keen to photo my electricity bill so I could get all this free stuff.

[Stu from NYC]

I suspect so, or trying to sell something similar, but that's not what they said. They told me they worked for the county and were really keen to photo my electricity bill so I could get all this free stuff.

Hopefully nobody will be taken in

[bgnn54]

Two of them were on the historic side last week. I called them slick!

[fdpaq0580]

Thank you for the warning.

Please show me County ID and let me take a picture of it while I have the police come by to check you out. Surely you won't mind waiting and giving me your office ph# and supervisor name.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

One time (in band camp) some guy with a clipboard and a polo shirt came to our door when I was home alone. I told him to get off my property or I'll shoot him.

I don't own a gun. But he didn't know that. He left. I might try this tactic again, it worked like a charm.

[Ignatz]

If I don’t know you or am not expecting you, I’m probably not opening the door. Easy peasy!!!

[bowlingal]

what's high viz?

[zuidemab]

Thank you for the warning.

Please show me County ID and let me take a picture of it while I have the police come by to check you out. Surely you won't mind waiting and giving me your office ph# and supervisor name.:

:a040: The May have a sudden interest in getting something from their car :evil6:

[jasamy2]

Didn’t we all learn that as children? We need to understand we are all targets for scammers. Protect yourself!

If I don’t know you or am not expecting you, I’m probably not opening the door. Easy peasy!!!

[nn0wheremann]

In Spanish Springs area, 2 men dressed in high viz, going door to door pretending they're from the county (never said which one, they didn't seem to know this is Lake County) and trying to give out grant money to selected homes to save money on electricity bills.
They wanted to scan my utility bill to see if they could save me money.
Just say no thanks and close the door. Please let your neighbors know too.
Did you call police?

[nn0wheremann]

Two of them were on the historic side last week. I called them slick!
Did you call police?

[Ski Bum]

what's high viz?

High visibility clothing, like an orange/yellow reflective vest.

[KimmieK]

what's high viz?

Might mean the vests that road workers, utility workers, etc wear.

[Justputt]

When we moved in, we were all told door-to-door solicitations weren't allowed in TV. Ask them for a business card and let them know you're contacting TV management to see if they're a legitimate business that is allowed to solicit. My guess is they'll leave. Take of photo of them and their vehicle with your phone and provide to TV and the police.

[SeaCros]

You can buy those vest at Harbour Freight so unless they have valid ID or a valid reason there is no need to even entertain them. Tell them you are not interested and tell them to pack sand. No need to be mean or nasty to them because they will now know where you live. You can easily "kill them" with kindness and let them know you are NOT the one!!!

[Mrs S]

Might mean the vests that road workers, utility workers, etc wear.

Yep. High visibility - those green/yellow florescent colored shirts the road workers and landscapers wear so they can be seen easily.

[biker1]

By Florida statute, it is a crime to threaten somebody with death or bodily injury. I don’t understand why you wouldn’t just ask them to leave without the illegal theatrics. SMH.

One time (in band camp) some guy with a clipboard and a polo shirt came to our door when I was home alone. I told him to get off my property or I'll shoot him.

I don't own a gun. But he didn't know that. He left. I might try this tactic again, it worked like a charm.

[Girlcopper]

Hopefully nobody will be taken in
Someone will fall for it. People see a money savings and they get greedy and jump on it. Too good to be true? It usually is

[coconutmama]

Someone will fall for it. People see a money savings and they get greedy and jump on it. Too good to be true? It usually is

I think you are right. People will fall for it. Not necessarily “greedy”, just on fixed incomes & want to save $.

[ThirdOfFive]

By Florida statute, it is a crime to threaten somebody with death or bodily injury. I don’t understand why you wouldn’t just ask them to leave without the illegal theatrics. SMH.
My brother has a sign on his door.

"To hell with the dog. Beware of owner!"

[ron32162]

What is high VIZ ?

[Two Bills]

What is high VIZ ?

Post #18 and several before.

[Mpphred]

I suspect so, or trying to sell something similar, but that's not what they said. They told me they worked for the county and were really keen to photo my electricity bill so I could get all this free stuff.

Did they say how much the free stuff was going to cost you?

[MrFlorida]

Free stuff, it's always the same scam. They are preying on your greed... It works most of the time..

[sdifede313@aol.com]

In Spanish Springs area, 2 men dressed in high viz, going door to door pretending they're from the county (never said which one, they didn't seem to know this is Lake County) and trying to give out grant money to selected homes to save money on electricity bills.
They wanted to scan my utility bill to see if they could save me money.
Just say no thanks and close the door. Please let your neighbors know too.
They may even be “testing” to see what times of day people are home? That’s the MO of a house burglar…..

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

By Florida statute, it is a crime to threaten somebody with death or bodily injury. I don’t understand why you wouldn’t just ask them to leave without the illegal theatrics. SMH.

By Florida statute, we have Castle Law and Stand Your Ground. If someone comes to my door, uninvited, they are trespassing on my private property. I consider that a potential threat to myself and to my property. I have the right, according to Florida law, to shoot them.

However - I wouldn't shoot them because I don't own a gun. I will warn them. If they continue - well I'll get my bow and arrows, which aren't considered firearms. And I'll shoot'em anyway :)

[biker1]

You are wrong and please stop being a drama queen. If you have a fence with a locked gate and no trespassing sign then they are trespassing. Otherwise, people can come and knock on your door. If they are soliciting then they may need a license. Go ahead and shoot someone doing that and see how it works out for you. Tell them to leave, if they don’t then call the police. That is how civilized people act. Don’t answer the door if you don’t want to.

By Florida statute, we have Castle Law and Stand Your Ground. If someone comes to my door, uninvited, they are trespassing on my private property. I consider that a potential threat to myself and to my property. I have the right, according to Florida law, to shoot them.

However - I wouldn't shoot them because I don't own a gun. I will warn them. If they continue - well I'll get my bow and arrows, which aren't considered firearms. And I'll shoot'em anyway :)

[Villager1234]

Why even engage them. Just tell them to leave
If you think about it it is really absurd that a government official would knock on your door.

[NoMoSno]

By Florida statute, we have Castle Law and Stand Your Ground. If someone comes to my door, uninvited, they are trespassing on my private property. I consider that a potential threat to myself and to my property. I have the right, according to Florida law, to shoot them.

However - I wouldn't shoot them because I don't own a gun. I will warn them. If they continue - well I'll get my bow and arrows, which aren't considered firearms. And I'll shoot'em anyway :)
:1rotfl:
You better brush up on that law for your sake.

[retiredguy123]

By Florida statute, we have Castle Law and Stand Your Ground. If someone comes to my door, uninvited, they are trespassing on my private property. I consider that a potential threat to myself and to my property. I have the right, according to Florida law, to shoot them.

However - I wouldn't shoot them because I don't own a gun. I will warn them. If they continue - well I'll get my bow and arrows, which aren't considered firearms. And I'll shoot'em anyway :)
As I understand it, the Castle law applies to someone who is actually inside your house (or your vehicle). There have even been disputes about someone who was shot inside the garage. But, shooting someone who is outside of your "Castle" is not fair game.

[MrFlorida]

Just say , " No thanks" and be done with it......no need for a debate.

[Marmaduke]

One time (in band camp) some guy with a clipboard and a polo shirt came to our door when I was home alone. I told him to get off my property or I'll shoot him.

I don't own a gun. But he didn't know that. He left. I might try this tactic again, it worked like a charm.
I am a woman and own guns. I know how to use them Safely and Responsibly.

As a responsible and intelligent gun owner, I would NEVER (in a million years) use that tactic.

Gun Owners, like myself know NOT to make "idle threats" OF ANY KIND involving their weapon.

Be Wise. Do not Criticize the 2nd Amendment Right of all American Citizens. We may save your life someday.

[Margefrog]

Why would someone need a hi-vis vest or jacket to go door to door?

[Marmaduke]

Stranger Danger!

There's no way I open the door.
RING Doorbell is AMAZING!

[LeRoySmith]

I am a woman and own guns. I know how to use them Safely and Responsibly.

As a responsible and intelligent gun owner, I would NEVER (in a million years) use that tactic.

Gun Owners, like myself know NOT to make "idle threats" OF ANY KIND involving their weapon.

Be Wise. Do not Criticize the 2nd Amendment Right of all American Citizens. We may save your life someday.


:BigApplause:

[fdpaq0580]

Why even engage them. Just tell them to leave
If you think about it it is really absurd that a government official would knock on your door.

And wearing a hi-viz vest. Not a uniform with "County of xyz" or name/badge on it.

[fdpaq0580]

Why would someone need a hi-vis vest or jacket to go door to door?

Pretending to look official. Like a "service animal" vest in many cases.

[vintageogauge]

I have a no soliciting little sign by my doorbell and it works pretty good, over the last 7 plus years I doubt that we had more than 4 solicitors ring our door bell.

[LeRoySmith]

Pretending to look official. Like a "service animal" vest in many cases.

You'd be shocked at how far you can get on many construction sites with a clip board, hardhat and a nice suit. Walk fast and look annoyed and folks will clear a path.

[xcaligirl]

In Spanish Springs area, 2 men dressed in high viz, going door to door pretending they're from the county (never said which one, they didn't seem to know this is Lake County) and trying to give out grant money to selected homes to save money on electricity bills.
They wanted to scan my utility bill to see if they could save me money.
Just say no thanks and close the door. Please let your neighbors know too.
When I heard the report on a radio station, they said they were posing as cops and once they got in, they robbed the owners of cash & jewelry, knocked them around some and left. Who knows what story is correct but, no matter what, we're in a different world today so stay on guard and DON'T open the door unless you know the people. 2 against 1 or 2 is very dangerous. The inly fault we have is that we were raised in different times and raised to be nice and have manners even with strangers. (not a bad upbringing at all but....)

[Sandancer]

I have a "No Solicitors" sign on my front door-and it really works!

[Stu from NYC]

I have a "No Solicitors" sign on my front door-and it really works!

Even against roofers? They knock and apologize for noise next door and than out of the goodness of their hearts offer to do a free roof inspection. At which I just say please go away and close the door

[Switter]

My brother has a sign on his door.

"To hell with the dog. Beware of owner!"

There was a taxidermy that I went to one time in Minnesota. He had a sign on his property that said "if I'm not here to greet you, my dog is going to eat you"

[CoachKandSportsguy]

hmmm, a doorbell which sounds with a large dog barking would be a great invention, with some wireless speakers and having the sound move around to the different speakers. .

I am starting a small home sound development company, any investors?

[LeRoySmith]

hmmm, a doorbell which sounds with a large dog barking would be a great invention, with some wireless speakers and having the sound move around to the different speakers. .

I am starting a small home sound development company, any investors?

I'm afraid you're too late, it already exists. In fact there's one that the "dog" barks more the closer you get to the door

[retiredguy123]

hmmm, a doorbell which sounds with a large dog barking would be a great invention, with some wireless speakers and having the sound move around to the different speakers. .

I am starting a small home sound development company, any investors?
What about when the Publisher's Clearinghouse guy shows up?

[Topspinmo]

By Florida statute, we have Castle Law and Stand Your Ground. If someone comes to my door, uninvited, they are trespassing on my private property. I consider that a potential threat to myself and to my property. I have the right, according to Florida law, to shoot them.

However - I wouldn't shoot them because I don't own a gun. I will warn them. If they continue - well I'll get my bow and arrows, which aren't considered firearms. And I'll shoot'em anyway :)

No, there has to be threat of bodily harm. Your front door public access, if they come straight to front door and knock. You have choice not to answer or tell them you’re not interested and say by. IMO way I read Florida law does not give you right to just shoot someone, there has to be deadly threat. IMO threading to shoot someone knocking on front door threat. Recent case in Ocala good example.

[LeRoySmith]

No, there has to be threat of bodily harm. Your front door public access, if they come straight to front door and knock. You have choice not to answer or tell them you’re not interested and say by. IMO way I read Florida law does not give you right to just shoot someone, there has to be deadly threat. IMO threading to shoot someone knocking on front door threat. Recent case in Ocala good example.

A quick google search

Stand-your-ground laws
Also known as "line in the sand" or "no duty to retreat" laws, these laws allow people to use deadly force in some cases of self-defense outside the home. The force must be proportional to the threat of death and the person must have a legal right to be at the location. As of January 1, 2024, 35 states had stand-your-ground laws.

Castle doctrine
This common law principle removes the duty to retreat when someone is in their home, and sometimes in their workplace, vehicle, or yard. The castle doctrine presumes an imminent threat of death or harm, and allows the use of lethal force against an intruder.

[Risuli]

hmmm, a doorbell which sounds with a large dog barking would be a great invention, with some wireless speakers and having the sound move around to the different speakers. .

I am starting a small home sound development company, any investors?

Actually, a camera doorbell (Ring, etc.) will also discourage scammers as they don't want to be recorded at your door.

[Marathon Man]

By Florida statute, we have Castle Law and Stand Your Ground. If someone comes to my door, uninvited, they are trespassing on my private property. I consider that a potential threat to myself and to my property. I have the right, according to Florida law, to shoot them.

However - I wouldn't shoot them because I don't own a gun. I will warn them. If they continue - well I'll get my bow and arrows, which aren't considered firearms. And I'll shoot'em anyway :)

Please stop saying things like this. Someone might think that it is true and actually do it.

[davefin]

I received a phone call from a similar group. No, no, no...and I hung up.