Police Warn of Scammers in North Reading

The North Reading police are warning residents about a door-to-door scammer in town.

“A con artist representing himself as a contractor comes to your door and claims he has just completed work for a neighbor,” Police wrote on their website. “Since he’s in the neighborhood, he’ll say, you can get work done at a steep discount. Only he will demand payment upfront, and then disappear. Or he’ll do the work but it will be shoddy, or he will demand more money to finish the job.”

Con artists are skilled in forcing people to make quick decisions and putting pressure on a great sounding deal. They usually ask for the money upfront, and won’t be seen again.

The police are stressing to residents: Do not give them money. Do not be intimidated by their forceful offers.

“A safe bet is to avoid working with contractors who contact you,” NRPD spokeswoman Kristin Keckeisen wrote. “When you do need to get work done, ask friends, neighbors and relatives for recommendations. And never pay a thing until you have a written contract in hand. Be sure to share this alert with family, friends and neighbors.”