Home Improvement Scam Targeting Seniors In PWC

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA—Police have been receiving an increasing number of reports that senior citizens in the county are being targeted by door-to-door scam artists peddling home improvement repairs such as new driveways, roof repair or tree trimming.

In many cases, such offers are bogus or wildly over-priced. That, or the work done is shoddy and unprofessional. As such, here are some tips to avoid being scammed, courtesy of Prince William County Police:

• People going door-to-door selling home repair and tree services must have a solicitor’s permit

issued by the County. They should display this and present it to you when you ask to see it.

• Do not agree to do business on the spot. If someone tells you that you have a problem with your

property that needs to be fixed, get other opinions and quotes from at least two other

contractors. If you did not know you needed the work done before the solicitor came to your

door, you do not need it done right now. There is nothing so urgent that it must be handled

right then. Anyone that tells you otherwise is probably trying to scam you into a project you do

not need.

• Before you agree to have the work done and definitely before paying any money, give it at least
• a day to think it over. Call friends or relatives and discuss it with them. Doing so means you arebeing a cautious and savvy consumer.
• You should not pay for the entire job up front. You should only pay for the entire job once it is completed to your satisfaction. If you are asked to pay up front, they may take your money andnever return to complete the job.
• Checks should be made payable to businesses, not individuals.

Anyone who has been a target or suspects something is amiss is urged to call police at 703-792-6500.

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