Community Corner

Police Warn of Home Improvement Scams

Be aware the next time a strange contractor knocks on your door

The next time someone comes to your door talking about how they sealed your driveway, or pointing out a rodent or pest problem and offering their extermination services, or a contractor knocks on your front door - take caution.

are warning all borough residents to be aware of home improvement scams that occur this time of year, police said.

According to police, spring is the time of year when most homeowners take the opportunity to fix up their homes. Criminals will take the opportunity this time of year to scame residents out of their money through scams.

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The following a three of the most common scams, according to Lansdale Police.

Driveway Sealers 

Police said someone may approach you while you are outside or working on your property and sell you on an opportunity to seal your driveway.

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It usually starts by the criminal telling you that he or she has just finished a number of driveway sealing jobs in the area and has enough left to complete your driveway.

Police said the scam artist may offer a deal by telling you that he or she will charge you half of the normal fee.

The scam is spraying used motor oil or black spray paint on the driveway, and not authentic driveway sealer, police said.

Exterminators 

Police said this scam preys on peoples' fear of bugs or rodents like mice or rats.

The scam artist may spray sugar water on your property when you are not aware and then come back some time later to point out an "ant problem," police said. Unbeknowst to the homeowner, the sugar water attracted the ants.

Another scam involves dropping a dead or live mouse from their pocet and telling you about the bad infestation, police said. They then "treat" your property by spraying water from an industrial can.

Burglars posing as contractors

This scam involves more than one person and more than one door, police said.

One person draws the attention of the homeowner away from their partner, who slips in through a back or side entrance and away to another part of the house, police said.

While your attention is with the first criminal, the second one is robbing you of your money and jewelry. 

Lansdale Police encourage residents to either retain a well-known and established company or seek recommendations from family and friends.

Any home improvement contractor showing up out of the blue at your door or on your property should raise some red flags, police said. 

Report suspicious activities to police at 215-368-1801.


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