Door-To-Door Solicitation Scam Spreads Across North Shore

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — North Shore residents are urged to be wary of door-to-door salespeople who may be offering home-improvement estimates and services, but instead are stealing deposits or items from the house.

Swampscott police said their detectives recently found someone leaving business cards in town who is believed to be part of a greater scam across the region.

Police said the scam involves a large group of people who canvass neighborhoods, provide an estimate for work and request a deposit to secure work materials.

The workers then never show up to perform the job.

Police said a similar scam involves those who ask to be invited inside the home to provide estimates, then steal items when the owner is distracted.

"No real names are given and some of the people are known to have thick Irish accents," Swampscott police said.

Those offering goods and services must register with the town and police departments and display a name badge. The police department provides the badge.

"People or businesses failing to register before going door to door could face a fine or possible arrest under the town by law," Swampscott police said.

Residents are urged to contact the police if unregistered people come to their homes.

Registration is not necessary for religious, nonprofit and political groups.

A copy of the Swampscott solicitation badge can be found here:

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)