GREETINGS FROM YOUR CRIME PREVENTION DEPUTY,
October is National Crime Prevention month and I�d like to share some crime prevention tips with you about scams. There have had a few local scams reported to the Sheriff�s Office regarding so called handymen services. While there have not been enough reports to qualify as a crime trend, I feel this information should be shared with our citizens. Most of us think of scams as someone pressuring us into a purchase or promising us something they do not deliver. However scams come in several types. The two reported to the Sheriff�s Office are regarding home repairs.
The victims hired a couple of handymen to do a specific job around their homes. While doing that job the handymen create more work for themselves by tearing out a fence or a stairway claiming it was in poor repair and needed to be fixed. Their claim, and scam, is they are looking out for your safety. They do this without consulting the homeowner first and then tell the homeowner how much it will cost to replace the already demolished item. Most people want the fence, walkway, stairs or item in question replaced so they agree to the cost of the construction. This cost includes the purchase of materials as well as labor, putting more money in the scammers� pocket.
TIPS TO CONSIDER BEFORE HIRING A HANDMAN:
- Before you hire a handyman or contractor, ask for local references that you can speak to in person.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have had any complaints filed against them. The phone number for the Better Business Bureau is 303-758- 8200.
- Have written contract detailing the work to be done as well as when the work should be completed. Make sure the contract stipulates that any additional repairs or work must be first approved of in writing before the work is to be completed.
- Be cautions of solicitors coming door to door offering handyman work or claiming to see work needing to be done on your house. A popular scam has been roof replacement and driveway paving and sealing. If you are in doubt, have an established business come out to do an evaluation and repair estimate.
- Be wary of the high pressure sales tactics or a deal that must be made immediately with the person at your front door.
- Make sure you have complete information about the business, not just a business card with only a first name.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE BEEN A VICTIM OF A SCAM?
If you have questions or feel you have been a victim of a scam, call the Sheriff�s Office and report it. Without a report the Sheriff�s Office doesn�t know it�s happening and cannot follow up on it. Not reporting it also allows the suspect to continue and potentially creates more victims. In some cases a situation is civil and not a criminal offense. The responding deputy can help determine that for you. For assistance call 303-271- 0211.
In Partnership,
Dale M. Wizieck
Crime Prevention Deputy
Mountain Precinct
720 497 7860
