DeKalb’s elderly may be the next victims of con artists who scam their way into people’s homes looking for cash and other valuables.

The DeKalb Police Department is warning all citizens about con artists who have attempted to enter area homes claiming to be members of various utility companies. There have been three incidents in the past two weeks. In one incident, the suspects stole $20.

In the most recent incident, which occurred Thursday morning, a person in a white truck approached a resident on Knollwood Avenue, claiming he was from the phone company. The suspect told the resident that a lot of money was owed to the company, adding that the phone would be turned off if payment was not received.

In that particular incident, the suspect did not get away with any money, DeKalb Police Lt. Jim Kayes said.

Through the years, however, that has not always been the case. The con artists have been able to make off with substantial amounts of valuables, Kayes said.

No one has reported losing large amounts of money in the most recent string of appearances, but Kayes said people need to be on the lookout for scams.

The scams usually begin with an offer of home repair or utility inspection. Once the subjects gain entrance to the home, they will distract the victims while their partners search the house for valuables, Kayes said.

“They’re very good at finding money,” Kayes said. “They will do anything to get you out of the house.”

Another consistency in the utility company scam is that the thieves prey on elderly people, Kayes said.

It could be because the elderly are more vulnerable or because they tend to keep more cash around the house, Kayes said.

Police recommend that people keep their doors locked and not open them to uninvited guests.

“The utility company will not show up uninvited,” Kayes said.

Kayes said people with elderly relatives or neighbors should keep an eye out for them as well.