Boston residents, especially seniors, should be cautious of a rising scam involving paving and home improvement fraud. The Boston Police Department warns that people have lost up to $30,000 to these scams, which start with offers for driveway paving or masonry repair and then escalate into costly, exaggerated claims for unnecessary home repairs.
Warning signs highlighted by the BPD include door-to-door solicitors with generic business names and individuals offering discounted services due to having surplus materials, this approach is particularly suspect if the contractor insists on immediate action or becomes threatening post-initial work, the pressure tactics deployed by these scammers aren't just aggressive but often tip into overt intimidation, pushing homeowners into a corner where they feel they have little choice but to proceed. Such individuals may also request payment be made out to them personally, instead of to their company, raising red flags about their legitimacy.
Further investigations reveal that many implicated in these scams hail from abroad, predominantly Ireland and the United Kingdom, and are in the US on travel terms that don't permit employment within their 90-day stay. The Boston Police Department asserts that most of these individuals lack the necessary permits and aren't registered with local or state authorities, and they may even present recently made websites.
Residents are advised to be careful with unsolicited offers for repairs or improvements. Always get estimates from multiple reputable contractors, check their insurance and licensing, and ensure they apply for the necessary City of Boston Building Permits. If you encounter a scam, report it to the local police with as much detail as possible, including descriptions of the individuals, their vehicles, and license plates if available.
