Public Information Announcement: Home Improvement Scams
Now that spring has arrived, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office is once again reminding citizens to be cautious of scammers offering to do home improvement work like driveway sealants, chimney repair, tree trimming services, roof repair, and metal roof painting.
Reputable contractors will be able to provide a company name, address, telephone number, credentials through MHIC (Maryland Home Improvement Commission) and references. Beware of any contractor whose business name can’t be verified or whose credentials or license is outdated. Additionally, a scammer will most likely ask to be paid in cash or check, and many times, will request to be paid in advance of the work. When scammers receive their payment in advance they will not return to complete the work and the contact information they left the homeowner is false. Often these scams occur during door to door type sales with the scammers initiating the contact with the homeowner.
Citizens should immediately report any suspicious persons or activity to their local law enforcement agency.
