Chapel Hill, Carrboro Police Warn of English Course Scam

Chapel Hill, N.C. — Police in Chapel Hill and Carrboro are warning about a scam involving English courses for Spanish-speaking residents.

Authorities said the perpetrators are offering an English course called “Ingles para Todos.” Police said they may also state that they are working for a company called Interlingual of America, Inc.

Authorities said people are going door-to-door in neighborhoods with Hispanic residents. The victim is told that he or she has won a free English course. At a later date, additional materials, including workbooks and recorded media are taken to him and he is told that he is required to pay.

Police said when the victim said he does not want the course, he is told he will be arrested if he does not pay. Authorities said some victims have paid up to $1,200.

Authorities are distributing flyers in Hispanic neighborhoods warning about the scam and encouraging victims to report any incidents to the police.

If anyone has information about this case, you are asked to contact Chapel Hill police at 919-968-2760 or Carrboro police at 919-918-7397.

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Latest Comments

I am illegal but I work hard and do work that you dont. So stop throwing glass in stone houses. p.s. How do you work this remote?

commonsense1111
December 21, 2006 3:40 p.m.

you need to grow up and realize that not all hispanics that are here are here illegally . Some of us do speak english and some don't. A crime is a crime.

familysosa4
December 21, 2006 2:53 p.m.

Interesting how some of you jumped to the conclusion that these are illegals. Maybe they're just older Hispanics who are now citizens and want to learn to communicate better. Did you ever wonder what you would do if you were poor and hungry and saw opportunity somewhere else? Would you take the time to learn the language and go through some of the hoopla that's required, or act in desperation as some folks have done.

Judge the victims as getting their just deserts because you think they're illegal just undermines any moral compass this country has. Immigrants made this country what it is (whether they were "legal" or "illegal") and you need to understand that looking askance because you feel morally superior will only take you down in the long run.

juliov27612
December 21, 2006 1:59 p.m.

WOW-Its there fault, crimes a crime. Unfortunetly it is assumed these folks are illegal, I didn't get that from the article. It may be that lack of trust is a cultural thing. However this is no different than criminals taking advantage of the least capable in society, no matter what their status. Maybe getting ripped off will provide insentive to learn more to the language in the end, who knows. It may also push folks to go for help with less fear of reprisal.

svoltaire
December 21, 2006 12:59 p.m.

folks, no where in the story does it mention these people are "illegals", simply spanish-speaking residents. Not all spanish speaking residents are illegal.

tommygalloway
December 21, 2006 12:46 p.m.