BPD Community Alert: Scams Targeting Older Adult Involving Paving Contractor Fraud / Home Improvement
In recent years, Boston residents have been targeted by international travelers offering unsolicited home improvement services. Victims have lost tens of thousands of dollars on substandard or unfinished work including masonry, driveway paving, chimneys, basements, roofing, and fences.
How the Scam Works:
- Starts with a small job offer (e.g., $1,500 paving) that escalates to costly “emergency” repairs (up to $30,000).
- Scammers go door-to-door, leaving generic flyers (e.g., “A1 Paving,” “City & Town Paving”).
- Claim to offer discounts using “leftover materials.”
- Use high-pressure tactics, claiming urgent repairs are needed.
- Become intimidating after starting work.
- Request payment via personal checks, not to a business.
Protect Yourself:
- Be wary of anyone showing up uninvited to offer home repairs.
- Always get at least two written estimates from licensed, insured contractors.
- Ensure they apply for necessary permits and provide references.
- If you suspect a scam, report it to your local police and share any details (e.g., vehicle info).
Resources and Reporting:
- If you have paid scammers, there are some actions you can take to protect yourself from further issues and potentially get money back. Follow the link here.
- Victims are encouraged to file a police report with their local area station.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for all telephone originated or US business related fraud via telephone or mail. Follow the link here.
- FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for all internet, email or cryptocurrency-based frauds. Follow the link here.