In recent weeks, my office alerted the public to a possible scam involving someone selling Medicare plans door-to-door. Although investigation into these particular cases revealed that the offers were indeed from legitimate companies, these instances remind us that we should remain cautious when dealing with unsolicited offers.

Citizens often report receiving telephone solicitations. While equally dangerous to your bank account, you have the option of simply hanging up. We are more concerned with the visitor to your door.

Remember, the old rule of "too good to be true" applies. Should someone approach your home offering to sell you a product, or offer you a service, you should always be skeptical. We recognize that there are many legitimate businesses who choose to operate in this manner. However, you may be faced with a criminal who is seeking to take advantage of your trusting nature.

Always check to see who is at your home before you allow them to gain entry. Never open your home up to a stranger. Most traveling scam artists use distraction to reach their goal of stealing from you, or worse.

A criminal may distract you by asking you to test a product while they or their partner steal items from your home. They may also ask you for personally identifying information, such as social security numbers, dates of birth, bank account numbers, and credit card information with the promise of selling you a discounted product.

Don't forget, once your information has been compromised in this way, your identity is at a much greater risk of being stolen. Remember, identity theft is the fastest growing crime in our country.

Anytime you are uncomfortable or unsure about someone at your home, you may call the Sheriff's Office and request a deputy be sent to your residence to assist you. Once you have made the call, it is likely that the legitimate salesperson will wait OUTSIDE your home for us to arrive. The crooks tend to disappear.