Look out for handyman scams, different scams, police warn
GREENWOOD, SC (WSPA) – The Greenwood Police Department is warning the public to be on the lookout for an increase in various scams – including craft scams.
With many Americans filing their taxes at this time of year, police officers are pondering how scammers can use other people’s tax refunds. Police say tradesman scams often happen in person, although many types of fraud occur over the phone.
“It seems like people show up and, ‘Oh, I’m a handyman. I can fix that for you and run the project, ”said Officer Jonathan Link. The telltale sign of fraud, however, is a request for payment – or partial payment – in advance.
“There’s always a legitimate reason for their story,” Link said. “But when it’s time for work, they go away and you run out of money.”
To check whether an employee is who he claims to be, Link recommends requesting a reference list. Also, make sure to confirm that a company is licensed and bound.
Police recommend calling law enforcement if you believe you are being attacked by a personal scam such as a handyman scam. However, if you want to report fraud that occurs over the phone, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) here.
