Sheriff’s Office Warns of Possible Paving Scams
The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office would like to warn residents of possible paving/outdoor work scams that have been prevalent throughout Dutchess County in past years. The Sheriff’s Office doesn’t currently have any criminal investigations into this type of activity, however in years past it has started in the late winter/early spring and residents should be aware that it could happen again this year.
Traditionally the perpetrators of this scam will show up unannounced and advertise that they can do paving and other outdoor work for a significant discount, and they typically target the elderly. They will then ask for a deposit, and once the deposit is paid (usually in cash) they will do some of the work but then leave and not return to do the rest. The Sheriff’s Office would like to warn the residents of Dutchess County and surrounding areas to be on the lookout for this type of activity, and to be wary of people showing up unannounced to do work. The Sheriff’s Office also urges people to watch out for suspicious persons or vehicles, and to report them immediately. As with any other investigation, the sooner the police are contacted the better.
If anyone thinks that they may have been a victim of this type of activity they are urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 845-486-3800, or via the tipline at 845-605-CLUE or dcsotips@gmail.com (attention Detective Gerardi). All tips will be kept confidential. The Sheriff’s Office also offers the following pieces of advice for avoiding these types of potential scams:
Traditionally the perpetrators of this scam will show up unannounced and advertise that they can do paving and other outdoor work for a significant discount, and they typically target the elderly. They will then ask for a deposit, and once the deposit is paid (usually in cash) they will do some of the work but then leave and not return to do the rest. The Sheriff’s Office would like to warn the residents of Dutchess County and surrounding areas to be on the lookout for this type of activity, and to be wary of people showing up unannounced to do work. The Sheriff’s Office also urges people to watch out for suspicious persons or vehicles, and to report them immediately. As with any other investigation, the sooner the police are contacted the better.
If anyone thinks that they may have been a victim of this type of activity they are urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 845-486-3800, or via the tipline at 845-605-CLUE or dcsotips@gmail.com (attention Detective Gerardi). All tips will be kept confidential. The Sheriff’s Office also offers the following pieces of advice for avoiding these types of potential scams:
- Be wary of people you don’t know showing up at your house to do unannounced work.
- Ask for identification to know who exactly you’re dealing with.
- Get a written estimate and a written contract.
- Be wary of handwritten contracts on paper with no letterhead or business name.
- Don’t give cash as a deposit/down payment.
- Don’t let anyone that you don’t know inside your house.
If you have any doubt about the people at your house to do work, or the legitimacy of the business, please contact the Sheriff’s Office immediately. More information may be released as it becomes available.
