Watch out for phony repairmen

The Contractors State License Board is warning California residents to be wary of solicitors offering door-to-door home improvement services.

Bands of fraudulent home-repair workers, often members of extended families, are moving from town to town, targeting the elderly or recent immigrants who are likely to have savings in the bank or cash on site and may not understand what is being sold.

“These groups or families come into California when the weather gets better,” said Steve Sands, the board’s executive officer. “That’s when they can better peddle their phony roof repairs, driveway asphalting or tree-trimming services.”

The board’s fraud investigators, working with Brawley police, arrested a 23-year-old Oklahoma man on charges of allegedly using someone else’s license with intent to defraud. He allegedly sold a paving job to a local car dealership, then raised the price an additional $5,000 when it came time to collect. It is illegal in California to work without a contract and without set prices.

The board said in a statement that consumers should watch for these “red flags” in unsolicited offers to do painting, roofing or paving work: high-pressure or scare tactics; reluctance to sign a written contract; demand for cash payment; new vehicles and out-of-state license plates; and a toll-free telephone number, instead of a local number.

Sands said the solicitors also distract homeowners while an associate slips inside and takes cash and valuables.

“Don’t let anyone in your home or yard unless you have checked them out,” he said.

Consumers who have come in contact with such solictiors can download a complaint form at www.cslb.ca.gov or call (800) 321-2752 for more information.