Brookline Residents Warned Of Contractor Scams

BROOKLINE, MA — Brookline residents are being advised to be wary of unsolicited home improvement offers after they received reports of residents paying thousands of dollars in deposits for work that was never done.

Police said the companies solicit construction work such as masonry and decking and then disappear after receiving the deposits.

"We recommend before making an agreement with a contractor, conduct your own due diligence," police said. "This includes not relying solely on online reviews since these can be fabricated. In addition, be wary of home improvement companies that solicit by going door to door.

"When you do decide on a company or individual, make sure they're licensed to do that type of work in Massachusetts."

Police said warning signs that a company or contractor could be fraudulent include pressure sales techniques, requiring up front payment in cash and requiring homeowners to get any necessary permits themselves.

The state has a listing of most approved occupation licenses that is searchable online.