The Newton Police Department issued the following warning to residents about scams by people posing as home-improvement contractors.
With the warmer months comes the likelihood that there will be an increase in contractor/home improvement scams in our area.
Scammers often target older adults, the disabled and those with limited mobility. Talk with your neighbors and loved ones to make them aware that these scams happen in Newton!
Often taking the form of a paving, roofing, masonry or driveway repairs, the scammer will start with a “small project.” They will then pressure victims into additional repairs/costs. These additional repairs are often caused by the scammer.
Victims are left with unfinished, additional damage, poor repair work and out significant amounts of money.
What to look for:
Many of these scammers will come door-to-door or print flyers with generic business names.
The businesses have brand new websites or social media pages. They have no permits, no business certificates, or their business certificate was recently registered.
They offer significant discounts for left over materials from jobs in the area. Victims will then be pressured, intimidated or threatened to pay significant amounts for additional repairs or materials.
They only accept cash or checks made out to an individual.
What to do:
Ask if the contractor holds a registered Home Improvement Contractor license. You can check the license here: https://www.mass.gov/check-if-your-contractor-is-a-registered-home-improvement-contractor
To check on a solicitor permit, check our department Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NewtonPoliceDepartment or call our Detective Bureau 617-796-2104.
If you believe a scammer is soliciting in your neighborhood or if you feel intimidated or threatened by an individual at your door or on your property, contact the Newton Police right away.
NPD non-emergency line: 617-796-2100 ext. 1
*In an emergency always call 911*
Additional comment contact PIO: Lieutenant Amanda Henrickson ahenrickson@newtonma.gov 857-636-2592