CHARLOTTE, Michigan — Certain scams become a lot more common as the weather warms up, especially door-to-door scams.
It might be someone trying to sell you something or offering to do work around your house.
Charlotte homeowner Benjamin Shegitz thinks he sniffed one out just in time.
“Get off my property,” Shegitz said.
Those were the thoughts running through Shegitz's mind as he watched a minivan make its way down his driveway.
“It was pretty obvious that something shady was going on,” Shegitz said.
Shegitz says three people were inside the van and a woman driving.
Video recorded on Shegitz’s home security camera shows a man get out of the van and approach the door. He was trying to sell Shegitz a gift card.
“He was trying to give me a sears gift card but it was all beat up,” said Shegitz. “It was obviously junk, it was just a bad situation.”
The exchange lasted less than a minute. Shegitz was having none of it and told the man to leave.
“He was quite surprised that I beat him to the door,” said Shegitz. “He looked a little shook up when it was me coming out and not somebody who he'd hope to be looking for as a target.”
Whether you're living out in the country or living in the city, police have a warning for everyone to be on the lookout.
Robert Mentink is a detective with the Mason Police Department. He says you don't always have to open the door for anyone you perceive as suspicious.
“Most jurisdictions and municipalities require a peddlers permit to do door to door sales, even if it's a service,” said Mentink. “So if anyone comes to your door and knocks, ask them to see if they have a peddlers permit and know if the town you live in requires those permits.”
Shegitz will keep cameras rolling outside, hopeful this encounter will serve as a reminder to others.
If anyone you perceive as suspicious approaches your door, do not hesitate to call your local police department. Chances are others have complained about the same type of activity.
If you plan on taking a vacation this summer, it is a good idea to put different lights throughout your home on separate timers.
Do not post about being out of town on social media, criminals look for things like that.
