Such scam artists prefer cash, but will take a check. But be aware: once the check is handed over, they attempt to cash it at the bank as soon as they leave the job site.If approached about work being needed at your home, ask for a business card – chances are one won’t be forthcoming. If a business card is presented, get an estimate only and then call others for comparison pricing. Check to see if the person that has approached you has a business and/or contractors license.Never, ever let a strange workman into your home… a popular scam is for a workman and assistant to gain entry into a home, and while one is discussing the work needed the other asks to use the bathroom, an excuse to steal while the homeowner is otherwise engaged.There are plenty of reputable contractors in the city, so if you think you need any work call someone locally. If are approached by a building scam artist, contact the Santa Paula Police Department at 525-4474 and report the contact.
Recent storm brings downpour of contractor scam artists
February 09, 2005
Santa Paula News
It’s become obvious the recent storm has also brought a downpour of scam artists targeting city residents with everything from asphalt to roof repair to carpet cleaning.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesIt’s become obvious the recent storm has also brought a downpour of scam artists targeting city residents with everything from asphalt to roof repair to carpet cleaning. Reports of attempted scams are on the rise, and Santa Paula Police officials warn residents that, at the least, a scam artist might separate you from your money for substandard or no work or use bait and switch tactics to raise an estimate dramatically. At the worst, scam artists could actually be robbers seeking entrance to your home to either steal items or hold you up.One scam artist in the city has been knocking on residents’ doors and telling them that he has just cleaned a neighbor’s carpets and offers a free cleaning. This scam artist is from the fast-talk school of rip-offs, speaking in an insistent, rushed manner and then racing back to his truck to get his equipment for the “free” carpet cleaning. In addition, he targeted one home at about 7 p.m., not a normal time for carpet cleaning.Another example concerns roofers checking for leaks and potential problems following the recent heavy storms. More than one homeowner has reported that a roofer - who just “happened” to be in the neighborhood - noticed that the roof appeared to have a problem that could lead to major flooding during the next storm. Often such offers come with plausible explanations of why the work can be done on the cheap, such as roofing tiles left over from a job.One area resident was told their driveway needed resurfacing and that the tradesman – who just happened to turn onto a dead end street – had materials leftover from a job “down the street.” An offer was made to do the driveway at a cut-rate price, as the materials would soon be unusable and a waste of the tradesman’s money. The asphalt poured was substandard, and required further work from an area contractor.
