Elderly or vulnerable people are the most targeted by this scam. We can protect ourselves by knowing the stratagem of the criminals.
The simplest scams are often the most used by criminals and the glass scam is one of them. The regional press has been reporting for several weeks on a process that is on the rise almost everywhere in France. Local media have also warned of the extent of the phenomenon in Creuse lately ; Criminals using this stratagem have also been spotted recently in the Var. It also causes more and more victims in Luxembourg.
In fact, the scam is so simple that it can affect any person who is too careless. What is it about ? A very effective method, very well described by the police who know the phenomenon well: two or three people go to a home in broad daylight, often of an elderly and isolated person, with the intention of committing theft. At the door, a person occupies the victim’s attention while another asks for a glass of water, due to feeling unwell or very thirsty. This gives him the opportunity to visit his victim’s house in just a few minutes and steal a wallet or valuables.
The phenomenon is not trivial and could seem isolated, but in reality, the victims are numerous: the national police even alert the French via dedicated communication to this technique, which she calls “stealing”. The glass of water scam also has multiple variants: fake postmen, fake firefighters and their calendars, fake Restos du Coeur volunteers, fake EDF agents asking to look at the meter.
The police have listed some official recommendations to avoid or protect yourself from this scam:
- Never open the door to an unknown person, whatever the reason given.
- Use the aperture and peephole and speak through the door.
- If in doubt, ask for a professional card or proof of intervention.
- Do not indicate on your mailbox that you are a widow or widower or any other indication that you live alone.
- Don’t keep too much cash or valuables in your home.
If you are the victim of this scam, immediately notify the police by dialing 17, your responsiveness will allow rapid intervention aimed at arresting the perpetrators.