CAMBRIDGE — A recent surge in fraudulent activities has prompted the Cambridge Police Department to issue a scam alert to residents.
Individuals have been reported knocking on doors offering free chimney or roof inspections with the ulterior motive of securing repair jobs and obtaining deposits.
At least one such incident has been recorded in Cambridge, with similar reports emerging regionally.
These scammers often falsely identify damage to appear credible and persuade homeowners to hire them for repairs.
The police department advises residents to exercise caution when approached for unsolicited home repairs and provided several recommendations to avoid falling victim to these scams:
– Ensure any contractor hired is licensed and insured.
– Seek contractor recommendations from trusted sources.
– Verify the contractor’s reputation through the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) or the State’s Office of Consumer Affairs (https://www.mass.gov/…/office-of-consumer-affairs-and…).
– Obtain multiple written estimates detailing the work scope, materials, completion date, and total cost.
– Read and fully understand any contract before signing.
Residents who suspect they have been targeted by a contracting scam are urged to report the incident to the Cambridge Police Department at (617) 349-3300.
The department emphasizes the importance of vigilance and informed decision-making in preventing these deceptive practices.
