And So it Continues.....

Here is our newest problem. Although, we opened a new account and have gotten all our money back. I used to try and find good in all people, the older I get the more I realize that sometimes you can't do that. Too bad though. Go with your gut instinct and don't totally trust anyone, because obviously these days you can't.


TOLEDO -- Here's a Call 11 for Action alert you can't afford to miss: Toledo police are searching for scam artists who are making thousands of dollars off homeowners by soliciting simple services.
The crooks are painting address numbers on homeowner's curbs. It sounds legit, but some people who paid for the service with a check are getting ripped off -- and losing their entire savings.
Pamela Cubbon is someone who fell victim to the scam. "It has reflective paint and it really looks good," she told us, describing the numbers painted on her curb.
Pamela thought having the address painted where all could see it was a good idea, so she paid a stranger to provide the service. She says, "I did not have cash on me, so I gave him a check. He painted, and I looked at it -- and I gave him a check. That was on Wednesday."
One week later she realized what a mistake she made by paying with paper. What was just a $10.00 charge has ended up costing her much more. She showed Call 11 for Action a stack of checks -- all written on her account by the stranger.
For purchase after purchase, the stranger spent Pamela's hard-earned money. She showed us one check for $259.00, but that was just part of a much bigger problem. The grand total came to more than $6,000 that was drained from Pamela's account.
Among the items the culprit bought were iPods, flat screen TVs, and numerous gift cards. And she's not the only one victimized by this scam. So far, four families have been hit -- and there's no telling how many checks are out there, or who this crook will target next.
Pamela described a guy who appeared to be all business. "He has a clipboard, and he comes around with a black knapsack with his numbers and his paint," she said. She also said that he does not drive a vehicle; he arrives on foot. In her case, he was alone, but others have reported that he had a partner. Once it was an African-America partner, another time it was a white man.
Toledo Police Detective David Morford told Call 11 for Action, "These people take that check, use the numbers off the bottom, and commit their crimes."
"I didn't know it was that easy," Pamela said.
Detective Morford says it happens more than you think. It's up to you to protect yourself. "Be careful with your personal information," he said. "Do not let it out there. Don't just give it out --especially to someone who's not reputable."
That's one piece of advice Pamela will never forget. "Don't write a check to someone you don't know," she warns.
The bottom line here is to be careful with your personal information. Checks aren't as harmless as they seem. You may also want to think twice about putting checks in your mailbox where they can be stolen. Doing something as simple as paying a bill can end up costing you big bucks.
If you have information that can help police nab the curbside crook, call Crimestopper at 419-255-1111. You may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward.