Crime & Safety

Sheriff: Beware of Home Repair Scams

"Self Proclaimed Criminal Travelers" and "Gypsies" distract victims, promise seal coating and roof repairs.

McHenry County residents are advised to be on the alert for home repair scams that are occuring in the area.

Recently, sheriff’s officers responded to an incident in Marengo where the elderly victims were distracted by the offenders who claimed that they were roofers. One offender distracted one victim outside the house, while another offender distracted the other victim inside the house pointing out things from room to room. After the offenders left, the victims realized money and personal checks had been taken.

McHenry County tends to have two common groups which are called “Self Proclaimed Criminal Travelers” and “Self Proclaimed  Criminal Gypsies” work in the area, according to a news release from the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office.

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Both groups commonly knock on elderly residents doors, saying they noticed the roof or driveway needs work. They will distract the victim to come outside, while another offender goes inside the residence to search for valuables.

“Self Procaimed Travelers” often scam people through paving, roof repairs, barn painting and lightning rods. They usually drive very clean pickup trucks with out-of-state plates and magnet signs atached with their company information. Victims often describe them as Irish or Caucasian. Victims may enter into written contracts and are promised life-time warranties.

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“Self Proclaimed Criminal Gypsies” cons usually include seal coating, roof repairs and replacement. They also use pickup trucks with seal coating equipment. One price is given at the estimare time and when the job is complete you are told you owe more money because they used more material than expected. They are often described as Romanian, Yugoslavian or Hispanic and speak English with a heavy accent.

The Sheriff’s Office recommends that you do not have unsolicited work done on your residence. Implement the 2-3 rule if someone wants to do work at your residence that was not solicited by you:

1.     Wait one day to speak to family members.

2.     Wait a second day to speak to friends and neighbors about it.

3.     Wait a thrid day to see if they come back to push you to get the work performed.

During the three-day waiting period, contact a local reputable compan to obtain a price comparison. If you have concerns, contact your local police or sheriff’s office immediately.

 

This information was provided by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office.

Related Topics: McHenry County Sheriff, gypsy scam, home repair scams, and self proclaimed criminal travelers


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