House Work Scam Targeting Elderly In Falls Church

FALLS CHURCH, VA—Falls Church Police are warning of a house work scam targeting elderly residents.

The scam involves services such as tree removal, landscaping roof and chimney work, as well as other home services. One victim was defrauded of thousands of dollars.

The scam typically targets elderly residents who live alone. Police are not sharing specifics about the scam artists, who claim to be contractor and will ask homeowners about tree and house projects. In some cases they will gain elderly residents' trust and determine a variety of fake repairs that need to be done. The victims end up giving the scam artists thousands of dollars.

Here are signs of a potential scam from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation:

• The contractor solicits door-to-door
• The contractor happens to have materials left over from a previous job
• The contractor pressures you into making an immediate decision
• The contractor asks you to pay for the entire job up-front
• The contractor only accepts cash payments
• The conctractor asks you to obtain required building permits

The City of Falls Church does not evaluate private tree work but has a list of private conctractors licensed in the city. Home contractors must be licensed by the state for most work or bids over $1,000. Homeowners should talk to multiple companies, request references, check for membership in professional organizations, and ask for proof of updated insurance and workers' compensation coverage.

The case remains under investigation. Police ask all residents to help educate vulnerable neighbors about the scam.