Don't Fall for Men Offering to Shovel Sidewalks for Donations to UNICEF

No, those are NOT really Oak Forest firefighters offering to shovel your sidewalks in return for donations to UNICEF.

A resident yesterday reported two young men claiming to be Oak Forest firefighters, who are shoveling sidewalks for $30 for UNICEF. This is a scam, police said. Please be cautious if you receive an unsolicited request for snow removal. And, remember these tips to avoid being a victim of a scam:

1. Always be aware of your surroundings. make sure no one follows you home.

2. Always keep your doors locked. Never open your door to a stranger. If you do not know a person who is at your door, talk to him or her through the closed, locked door. 

3. Call the police if you do not know the person at your door.

4. Report any and all suspicious activity you see in your neighborhood. Many times the offenders will go back to a home if they were unsuccessful the first time.

5. Try to obtain a license plate number from suspicious vehicles. Any information forwarded to the police can make the difference in solving these types of crimes.