Sealcoating, Home Improvement Scam Warnings: McHenry Co. Sheriff

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — On Friday the McHenry County Sheriff's Office issued a warning for residents to be careful when agreeing to home improvement services with contractors, adding that groups of con-artists or "traveling criminals" make their way into McHenry County during these warmer months . According to a release from the sheriff's office, these groups target senior citizens and at times approach other homeowners to offer services that end up being subpar and require the homeowner to spend anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars to repair their work.

In the release, the sheriff's office described an example of one scam, involving a homeowner and con-artist sales person.

"A homeowner will receive a knock at their door and the sales person for a driveway sealcoating
company will offer a “Great Deal” to sealcoat the driveway with left over driveway sealer from a
previous job," the sheriff's office said. "They will quote the homeowner a rate significantly lower than the going rate for a professional sealcoating company. The sales person will use high-pressure and fear of loss tactics to scam victims into agreeing to their deal. Once they have their cash in hand their team of seal coaters will come in and use substandard materials, which normally wash off after the first rain, to coat the driveway. After they are done they will re-approach the homeowner and request more money due to the fact they had to purchase “more materials."

Here are tips from the sheriff's office when it comes to protecting yourself from these scams:

• Look for: Professional contractors will have clearly marked business decals and markings on their vehicles, and will provide a detailed written estimate and proof of insurance.
• We encourage you to ask for three references and follow-up by contacting them.
• Check with your local chamber of commerce and the Better Business Bureau for reviews on the company and the owner to see if there are any negative reviews.
• Ask your trusted friends and family for referral suggestions.
• Wait at least three days before committing to a company.

In the release, the sheriff's office reminds people if a deal or services seem too good to be true, they're probably a scam, and residents that reside in the McHenry County Sheriff’s office jurisdiction can call 815-338-3144 if they have any concerns. Those outside of the sheriff's office jurisdiction are advised to call their local police department.