73° and Sunny
Image
The Lake Forest Park Police Department has seen a significant increase in construction-related fraud scams in our area.
These scammers often go door-to-door offering roofing, chimney, driveway, or other home repair services. They may initially convince a homeowner to agree to a few hundred dollars’ worth of work. Once they begin, they intentionally remove part of a roof, chimney, or other structure and then claim they have discovered extensive damage that requires immediate repairs.
The homeowner is then pressured into paying thousands of dollars as a down payment for the additional work. Once payment is received, the scammers may disappear altogether or continue demanding more and more money while providing little or no legitimate work.
Common warning signs include:
• Requests for cash payments or cashier’s checks.
• Unmarked vehicles with no company logos or identifying information.
• Use of multiple names or business names that are not legitimate.
• High-pressure sales tactics and demands for immediate decisions.
To protect yourself:
✅ Verify that the contractor is properly licensed, bonded, and insured.
✅ Ask for references and check online reviews.
✅ Obtain multiple quotes and opinions before agreeing to major repairs.
✅ Be cautious of unsolicited door-to-door offers.
✅ If a contractor is soliciting business door-to-door, verify that they have the required City solicitor’s license.
Remember: If something feels wrong, it probably is. Take your time, do your research, and never feel pressured into making an immediate decision.
If you believe you have been the victim of a scam or encounter suspicious activity, please contact the Lake Forest Park Police Department.
Please share this information with friends, family, and neighbors to help protect our community.
More News from Lake Forest Park
- Community-Led Conservation Movement Surges in Lake Forest Park with Release of New Environmental Guide .
- The Rise of Authoritarianism, Christian Nationalism and Don Talarico del Texas A young Texan in seminary fighting windmills the size of the White House.
