Indiana State Police troopers are warning residents to be aware of home improvement scams this season.
Troopers at the Indiana State Police Bremen Post recently received a report involving a driveway sealing scam where a homeowner was defrauded out of thousands of dollars. The scammer approached the homeowner at the house and offered to seal the driveway for a bargain because they had materials left over from a previous job and that the work had to be done right away. The cost was not provided up front but said it would be done at a discounted rate and the paperwork would be done when the job is complete. When the job was done, the scammer demanded a large amount of money. The victim negotiated a lower price and paid it, but the product used to seal the driveway flaked off in a matter of days.
To avoid becoming a victim of a scam, be wary of people showing up unsolicited because they are in the area, and pressure you to agree to do the job without providing an up-front cost.
When you are ready to do a home improvement project, it is recommended that licensed and insured contractors be sought and get contacts from trusted sources. Check reviews of companies very carefully and get a contract to review before agreeing to start a project. Get several estimates and research the company or contractor before an agreement is considered.
If you do become a victim of fraud, report the incident to police. Any information provided to officers could help investigators get an arrest and save others from being victims.
