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WESTON, Conn. Weston residents should be on the lookout for scam artists looking to make a quick buck on debris removal in the wake of last month's snowstorm, police warn.
This is the time of year when we see a lot of what we call gypsy scams. We get people calling residents or knocking on doors asking to perform certain services for a cheap price. In reality, they either take money for a deposit and never return or they do a bad job and jack up the price, said Weston Detective Carl Filsinger.
Although Weston police have not received any complaints of scam artists preying on residents, the Town of Easton put out a scam warning last week for a chimney sweeping company.
In many cases, scammers cold-call residents looking to perform various outdoor services like tree removal, chimney cleaning and driveway sealing for an very low price. Unfortunately, the elderly are prime targets for such scams.
There is always someone out there trying to make a buck. Residents need to be leery of these people, Filsinger said.
Anyone who receives a cold call or a knock on the door for home services should do some research, police advise. You really need to see who these people are. We recommend calling the Department of Consumer Protection. They can verify all businesses, Filsinger said.
Residents have to remember: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is, Filsinger said.
Also from the police blotter:
An iPod iTouch was reported stolen form an unlocked locker at Weston Middle School on Tuesday at 4:27 p.m. A value for the iTouch was not given. Police said the incident is still under investigation.
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