Resident victim of home improvement scam.

On 1/14/2013 police were called to the 1700 block of Pelham Drive for a fraud report.  Upon arrival their investigation revealed that the homeowner was the victim of an apparent home improvement scam.  Between August 1st and the present two unknown  males solicited work from the owner.  The jobs included chimney repair, siding repair, and driveway repair all of which were never completed.  During this time the victim paid the subjects in excess of $12,000.  Information was provided to officers who are following up.  Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Springettsbury Township Police at 717-757-3525.

Police would like to offer the following tips to avoid being the victim of home improvement scams.

• Older citizens are particularly vulnerable to construction scams because so many own their own homes but cannot do their own repairs.  Your home is likely to be your mot valuable asset.  This is why you should be extra careful when hiring someone to work on it.  Require a “Certificate of Insurance” from the contractor you plan to hire.
• No all contractors operate within the law.  Watch out individuals or an unlicensed contractor who:
• Solicits door to door.
• You can not verify the name, address, phone number, or credentials of the contractor.
• Just happens to have materials left over from a previous job.
• Pressures you into making an immediate decision.
• Asks you to pay for the entire job upfront.
• Only accepts cash payments.
• Hire only licensed and insured contractors
• Check contractors license status.
• Contact 3 references and check past work.Get at least three written bids.
• Insist on a detailed contract.
• Don not pay 100% of the bill until the work is 100% complete.

If you have further questions do not hesitate to contact the Springettsbury Township Police.

To see if a contractor is registered with the Attorney Generals Office click the following link.

Registered Contractors