Advisory: Fraud Alert-Contractor
On 5/9, an elderly female that was outside her home was approached by two individuals that reported that they noticed her steps need repair and offered to fix them. She advised them that the gutters also needed repair and the "repairmen" advised her that they would fix the gutters as well. The males gave her a paper advertisement with "Industrial" across the top, a NJ and NY phone number and "Handyman Heroes" written on it.
The males returned the next day and received cash from the resident for the work. They then left the home prior to completing any of the repairs. The males were described as Hispanic males with one being in his 30's and the second being in his 40's. It is possible that they arrived in a blue pickup truck.
These scam artists frequently target the elderly. Similar events were reported last year in both Union and Springfield Townships.
Beware of ‘contractors’ who come to your home or call you on the phone looking for work. Some will tell you they were just ‘passing by’ and noticed you needed a new roof, siding, or driveway (you fill in the blank).
They may not be contractors, at all, not trained, not licensed, nor insured. These con artists will usually offer the work at a price far below what you’d expect to pay for it. And, more often than not, they will require you to pay in advance. The bottom line: you give them the money and never see them again.
Please report any suspicious activity to the Maplewood Police Department.
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