MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. ( DC News Now ) — The Montgomery County Department of Police is warning residents to be wary of people going door-to-door offering home improvement or yardwork services.
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Officials said that groups offering lawn care, driveway paving or roof repair could be conducting unlawful activity. This includes performing unlicensed work, not completing or starting work after accepting payment, or even committing burglaries through distractions.
To help reduce fraud, police advise the community to:
- Be cautious of unsolicited offers for services, especially when high-pressure tactics are used to secure payment.
- Avoid paying large sums of money before any work is completed.
- Confirm that a business or contractor is properly licensed before agreeing to any services.
- Do not pay large sums of money in advance.
- Always verify whether a business is licensed before agreeing to services.
“Distraction thefts” or “distraction burglaries” occur when at least one individual approaches a homeowner outside and distracts them while someone else enters the home to steal valuables.
Police said a few ways to avoid distraction thefts are:
- Keep doors locked, even while working in the yard.
- Do not allow strangers inside, even if they claim to be workers or officials, unless they have verified their identity and have an appointment.
- Report suspicious activity to police immediately.
Licensing status and complaint history can be verified online through the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection. Any suspicious activity can be reported to law enforcement…