Editorial: Be on the lookout for swindlers

Law enforcement efforts to protect the public from scammers seems much like a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. No sooner does one crafty illegal operation get put out of business — or encouraged to move elsewhere to do its dirty work — than another ring of thieves pops up.

Those of us who want nothing more than a peaceful life can easily get caught off-guard by fast-talking criminals. As has been documented in our news pages regularly, the crooks, instead of making an honest living, exploit the polite and generous natures of their intended victims. Just this month we’ve reported on incidents taking place in both Burbank and Glendale that were simple and effective.

In one case, a family of suspected local thieves was arrested for allegedly distracting homeowners — asking them to go into their backyards with one member of the ring to check out trees in adjacent yards that needed “trimming” — so their partners could have a enough time to burgle the interior of their homes.

In the other, there was a rash of at least 45 phone calls to Burbank homes and business establishments advising them that if they didn’t immediately pay a utility bill (via prepaid debit cards or wired funds), their power would be shut off. That latter spate of fraudulent calls has not yet resulted in any arrests and could involve people living in foreign countries, according to police.

In these final weeks of the year, when we’re all harried due to seasonal celebrations, we must stay alert and make a conscious effort to outsmart the bad guys and gals. Do not trust what any stranger who initiates contact with you is saying. Hang up the phone on suspicious callers and be wary of anyone you don’t know who knocks on your door.

Be skeptical, not scammed.