It’s that time of year for exterior home repairs – and scam artists. Los Altos police are investigating this season’s first report about a possible home repair scam that occurred May 29.
A resident told police that an “ill-kempt man with sharp facial features” in his 50s came to her house offering to replace her gutters for an unusually low price. She said the man drove a blue and gray truck without license plates.
Police said that frequently, small teams of con artists will target a community, approaching single or elderly residents. They offer to do roofing, asphalt or home repairs at great discounts. Police said the work is often shoddy and, in most cases, is a light application of paint or tar.
Noreen Sorg, crime prevention officer for the Los Altos Police Department, said a city ordinance prohibits solicitors from going door-to-door asking for money. She said the city does grant non-profit groups a special permit that allows them to sell goods in residential areas. The permit is good for two weeks and the person must carry the permit while soliciting residents.
For more information, call the Los Altos Police Department at 948-8223.
