(Sioux Center)– Authorities are alerting the public of a home improvement scam that’s been reported in northwest Iowa.
The Sioux County Sheriff’s Office says in a recent incident in that county, a person offered to paint a building on a farm site. The suspect then claimed to have run out of paint and said they would return the following day to finish, but wanted paid that day. After receiving payment for the full job, the subjects left and didn’t return to complete the job.
Officials say such scams typically involve subjects from outside the area going door-to-door soliciting work for paving, painting, roofing, landscaping and other jobs. They will then typically perform sub-par work for a higher than normal rate, or not complete the job.
Authorities say it’s a good idea to check references whenever you’re looking to hire someone for such work. It’s also recommended to first obtain written estimates and tell them you will get back to them. They add it’s also a good idea to get bids from local companies to compare prices.
