In the last couple of weeks our neighborhood has had a couple of late night door to door sellers with the latest one being a local dry cleaner who hired a coupon selling company that was knocking on doors at about 9:00 at night!

Thank you for this warning. In recent years I've noticed this activity and I didn't know it was consistent with door-knock burlgars. If anybody knocks on my door at 9:00 pm or later, I will refuse to open the door. I would also like to know more about door-knock burglars and their MO's, so if anybody out there has any knowledge of how these people operate, I will be happy to read whatever information you send. *Grins* That goes for you too, Scott! :D

I've heard that you should announce that you are home, without opening the door. If you are a woman, pretend to "fight" with your husband , giving the appearance there are multiple people at home. Once they realize there are people in the house, they are more likely to walk away. I read that there are groups of teens bused in from Arizona to case houses for break-ins. And always report to your local neighborhood watch block captain.

What about those guys trying to get homeowners to pay for curb painting of home addresses? Talk about a rip-off and violation of privacy. Those guys think nothing of pounding on your door in the evening asking for money. Recently, they tried a new tactic - painted the curb first without an okay (via a slip of paper) and then came demanding money. We've been asked for as much as $20 for a "donation."

Another scam is a young looking person claiming to be a 'neighbor' on an assignment to "meet" 1oo neighbors...yeah, then the pitch & BS or just casing the joint.....