Beware Of Home Improvement Scams, Monroe Police Warn

MONROE, CT — With the warmer weather, out come the home improvement scammers, and the Monroe Police Department is offering tips to avoid being a victim.

In a pair of Facebook posts (see below), authorities spell out some red flags homeowners should watch out for when they are approached in-person or by phone by someone offering to do some repairs.

One tell-tale sign of a scam is a demand by the fraudulent contractor for full payment upfront, often in cash or sometimes by check.

Additionally, during an inspection of the job, the scammer might say they found a host of "additional issues" that need addressing, but often such work is unnecessary or used as a scare tactic to tack on more charges.

"Don't fall victims to these scams," Monroe police said, adding that anyone soliciting in town must have a permit from the department to do so. "Don't agree to work on the spot that you weren't seeking to have done in the first place. Check the track record of a company before you employ them and if you are suspicious of an unsolicited offer, call us and report it."

If a scam is suspected, the Monroe Police Department can be reached at 203-261-3622.