Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Joplin Police Department warns of home repair scams

(From the Joplin Police Department)

The Joplin Police Department reminds you to beware of people who knock on your door and offer home repair services.

Some are casing your home to rob you later. One alleged worker might distract the elder while another enters the house to steal money and other valuables.

Unscrupulous builders prey on elderly and poor homeowners by inflating labor and materials prices or with exceptionally shoddy work. They often don’t complete jobs and ignored building and safety codes. The offenders are often transient, moving among neighborhoods, cities, and even states.

The scammers demand payment up front, and then often claim that their initial investigation reveals a more serious problem, with a more expensive solution.

-Legitimate contractors rarely solicit door to door.

-Don't want to hire anyone to work on your house until you've checked licenses and references.

-They may recommend an array of fraudulent "emergency" home repairs, often requiring an advance deposit.

-They may subsequently fail to do any work at all, start but not finish the work, or do substandard work that requires correction.

-Common frauds include roof repairs, driveway resurfacing, waterproofing, and pest control.

-Others will overcharge for a supposed service that either isn't performed or is done poorly.

If you believe you observe this type of activity or if you have experienced it, please call the Joplin Police Department. If you want to verify a business license call the Finance Department at 417‐624‐0820, ext. 242

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