It’s honorable to want to help someone in need. It’s been drilled into us since childhood that we should share what we have. But there is a difference between being helpful and being naive and it is time the students of Chico State learned that lesson before someone really takes advantage of us.
Scam artists have become a major problem in Chico — both on campus and in the community. University Police Chief Eric Reichel recently sent out a campus-wide notice warning us that aggressive solicitors, who pretend to sell magazines, are victimizing students. It’s easy to get caught in a scammer’s web of lies, especially for unsuspecting students. Don’t fall for it. There are some simple ways to realize you’re being scammed and to take action and to be prepared.
•Is there anything suspicious about the person who approached you? If they are selling magazines, are their samples worn down or torn at the edges? If you feel any sort of suspicion, stick to your intuition and simply close the door or walk away. They’ll probably try to get you to stay, but be assertive, tell them “No” loudly and leave. They’ll get the message.
•Before you walk away, try to get as much information about the person as you can. Remember the little things, like a branded hat or shirt and ask to see identification. An accurate description can help the police catch scam artists. Call the police immediately after they’ve left. Tell police which way the scammers went and what they look like.
•Don’t feel pressured into buying something, even if they claim it’s going to a charity. You may think you’re helping the underprivileged young dentists of Somalia but, in reality, you could be paying for some guy’s next keg. If you really want to donate to charity, find a reputable organization, like St. Jude Children’s Research hospital or the Salvation Army and donate to them. At least then you know your money is going toward a good cause. These con artists work by daylight — it adds credence to their scams — so they’re not going to attack you if you don’t donate. Say no and walk away.
By keeping our wits about us, we can outsmart them. The simple rule is don’t buy magazines from the suspicious guy at your door. Don’t give the guy who “just needs some gas” all the money in your pocket. Point him to the police station. And never give out personal information.
Managing Editor Jennifer Siino
News Editor Don Bunce
Opinion Editor Robin Epley
Sports Editor Phil Petermann
Entertainment Editor Earl Parsons
Features Editor Therese Marucci
Photo Editor Jeb Draper
Video Editor Jackson Wong
Online Editor Lauren Mayo
Chief Copy Editor Elizabeth Ghiorso
