The Sioux County Sheriff’s Office would like to make you aware to be cautious of a summer “home improvement” scam that has been circulating around Sioux County and the surrounding area.
In a recent incident in Sioux County, the suspect offered to paint a building on a farm property. The suspect then claimed to have run out of paint and said they would be back the following day to finish the job, but wanted to be paid that day. After receiving payment for the full job, the subjects left and never completed the job and left the building in sub-par condition.
This is a common scam that occurs, and typically involves subjects from out of the area going “door-to-door,” attempting to solicit work in paving, painting, roofing, landscaping and other outdoor tasks. The subjects will then typically perform sub-par work for a higher than normal rate, or not complete the job.
It is a good idea to ask for references and do a check on them before agreeing to have any work done. We also recommend getting a written estimate and telling them you will get back to them. It may also be a good idea to seek bids from local companies before granting them permission to start in order to compare prices.
The best advice is to know who you are dealing with. In many cases, you are safer dealing with a contractor that has local ties to the community. When in doubt, don’t agree to any services. If the company pressures you or begins work without your permission, contact your local law enforcement agency.