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Washington Co. Alarm Company Imposter Sought

SOUTH STRABANE TOWNSHIP (KDKA) – It's a nice residential area in South Strabane, Washington County, but one of two neighborhoods has been targeted by a door-to-door scam artist.

"Can't believe it. Not here," says one neighbor.

Police Chief Donald Zofchak says this scam involves homeowners with security alarm systems, and a smooth talking man at the door.

"We want to get the word out for people to be alert," Zofchak told KDKA money editor Jon Delano.

The first incident involved an older woman on Oak Hill Drive.

The homeowner who did not want to be identified or appear on camera, but she talked to KDKA's Jon Delano.

She said that on Saturday evening a 5-foot-10-inch tall white male, driving a red pickup truck, came to her door, actually tried to open her screen door, and asked to come in.

He claimed to represent her security alarm system, told her the alarm system was out of date, and he wanted to come in to set up an appointment to upgrade.

She said she was very frightened at this whole incident.

But at the time she did exactly the right thing, says the chief.

"Resident did a great thing; obviously, didn't open that door and asked questions outside, asked what company, those type of things," said Zofchak. "Got a good description for us, got a good description of the vehicle."

The homeowner said she was suspicious because she never had a call from her security alarm company, and the man asked what neighbors had security systems, something he should have known if legit.

Chief Zofchak says a similar incident occurred in another neighborhood.

He says the thief wants to get in to steal cash or jewelry while you're not looking.

"We want people to be aware. These scams happen all the time," said Zofchak.

So far, no arrests have been made.

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