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Home improvement scammers targeting elderly, police warn
Cheektowaga police are reminding residents of the Latin phrase "caveat emptor," or "let the buyer beware," when they consider hiring home improvement contractors to perform work this spring.
Spring is a popular time for residents to clean their yards or make other improvements to their properties such as painting their homes or sealing driveways.
While there are many reputable businesses that perform yard work and other home improvement tasks, there are other businesses that take advantage of situations by taking a person's money and skipping town, police say.
These "fly-by-night" operations often target the elderly, but younger residents are potential victims as well. According to the Cheektowaga Police Department's Crime Resistance Unit, unscrupulous contractors will often use high-pressure sales tactics or contact customers by doorto door sales or telemarketing.
"Beware of any contractor knocking on your door," said the unit's Lieutenant Mark Petruniak. "Reputable contractors almost never do that. Instead, contact established local paving companies for estimates, and then compare prices."
However, some scammers will use other methods to target their victims. For example, Cheektowaga police have received complaints recently about one company- that has advertised in a local newspaper- and its failure to perform work for which residents have paid.
Petruniak said there are several steps one may take to ensure a fair deal from a contractor.
The Crime Resistance Unit recommends a customer determines exactly what work he wants done, then obtains three estimates.
The unit also notes that a customer should look for licensed contractors that are reliable, have completed similar projects and are insured for personal liability and property damage. The unit also suggests obtaining references from the contractor and contacting prior customers to verify if the contractor is trustworthy.
If a customer is still unsure whom to hire, he can ask friends and neighbors for a referral.
"The Better Business Bureau is a good source," adds Detective Lieutenant David Zack. "Ads in the paper often state that they are insured."
Zack said customers should "be inquisitive" and ask contractors sev- eral questions.
If a bargain sounds "too good to be true," it probably is, police point out.
Petruniak suggests that residents have any guarantees placed in writing in the contract, and to have a relative or friend present when meeting with prospective contractors and to review any contracts, especially the fine print.
When negotiating with a contractor, residents are advised to provide reasonable advance payments that are tied to completion of specified work.
Residents should be on guard if a contractor asks for all or a substantial portion of the money up front.
In addition, a contractor who asks for cash or a check payable to an individual instead of a company should serve as a "red flag."
"They could skip town and be in Ohio or downstate tomorrow," Petruniak said, "and they'll have your money."
Police also suggest that residents who get in a bind with cutting grass- or removing snow in winter- should ask neighborhood youths they known and trust for help.
Persons who believe they have been victimized by a home improvement scam should call the Cheektowaga Police at (716) 686-3500.
Zack said people who are scammed shouldn't feel embarassed or hesitate to contact police.
"People by nature are trusting and these (scammers) are very skilled at earning your confidence," Zack said. "These skills have been honed over a period of time and they know what works. They're good salesmen and are very practiced in the 'art' of deception."
Zack noted that receiving complaints and information from victims is the only way police can track down scammers and prevent others from becoming victims.
Consumer complaints may also be directed to the New York State Consumer Protection Board at 1-800- 687-1220; the Better Business Bureau, (716) 881-5222 and the New York State Attorney General's Office, 1-800-771-7755.
The Consumer Protection Board also has information on its Web site, http://www.nysconsumer.gov.
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