Neshoba County residents, particularly the elderly, were urged this week to use caution if approached by strangers seeking to obtain Social Security numbers or other information.
Sheriff Larry Myers said con artists have hit residents in both Neshoba and Lauderdale counties in recent weeks.
Two men stole money from a residence on Mississippi 21 south after a homeowner allowed them into her house, he said.
“One of them kept her attention while the other took money from her purse,” Myers said, noting that the men left the house in a dark colored vehicle.
Con artists are posing as all types of professionals, Myers said, from utility workers, to carpet salesmen and bank officials.
“Residents need to be alert and not allow people you don’t know into your home,” he said.
“They tend to prey on the elderly.”
He urged residents to keep constant check on their elderly parents, grandparents and neighbors.
“While we haven’t had any violent acts committed, there is potential that if these types of people are confronted, something serious could happen,” he said.
The sheriff said con artists often pretend to be carpet or tile salesmen as well as servicemen seeking to ensure that appliances are running energy efficient.
They use any means to get into your house, Myers said.
“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. We just want to protect our elderly.”
Suspicious activity should be reported to the sheriff’s office at 601-656-1414.
