Police: Watch Out for This Snow Removal Scam

Removing snow and ice from your roof is a necessary task in the brutal winter Massachusetts has had this year, but for many it’s a task they can’t accomplish alone.

So, as with any time people need good service, the scammers have latched on to this opportunity. And they seem to be targeting the elderly in Waltham.

An elderly man reported to Waltham police that a group of people approached him Saturday, Feb. 14 offering to remove the snow and ice from his roof at a rate of $100 per hour.

The man accepted. But when the group finished their work, they billed him $1800.

When he threatened to call the police, the scammers negotiated the price down to $500.

A similar scam has been reported in other towns in the area. Waltham police, as well as other police departments in the area, are warning residents to be careful of people offering to remove snow from your roof.

Anyone you hire to do roof snow removal work should be insured and have a contractors license, according to Wayland police.

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