Post date: Apr 28, 2011 11:52:28 AM
NEWS RELEASE
HOWARD COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF POLICE, OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Police urge citizens to beware of scams this spring
Be alert for suspicious door-to-door offers for home improvements, alarms, services
Howard County police and the Howard County Office of Consumer Affairs are urging residents to be
cautious when dealing with door-to-door salespeople offering home improvements, alarm systems and other
services this spring. Police typically see increased calls for suspicious salespeople going door to door as
weather turns warm, and often, these offers turn out to be scams.
In recent years, police and consumer affairs representatives have investigated scams for driveway paving
and alarm system installations where criminals posed as salespeople and targeted residents. Criminals who
prey on residents with these scams often complete shoddy work or don’t finish the job, charge higher prices
than first discussed or steal from the victim’s home.
Police urge citizens to be cautious when approached by a peddler or solicitor. Peddlers and solicitors are
required by the county to present an identification card obtained from the Office of Consumer Affairs.
Peddlers who operate from vehicles are also required to affix a metal tag issued by the Office of Consumer
Affairs to the right rear side of the vehicle. Soliciting is only permitted between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. If you ask
a peddler or solicitor to leave, he or she must do so immediately.
Residents are urged to take the following precautions:
If you feel uncomfortable, do not answer the door, or tell the person to leave literature at the door for you to retrieve later.
Ask to see the salesperson’s county identification card and official work ID.
Be cautious of offers that are only valid for work performed immediately.
Verify the company has appropriate licenses.
If you are approached by an alarm company, verify it is registered with Howard County police by calling 410-313-6199.
Tips from the Maryland Office of the Attorney General Office of Consumer Affairs are available online.
Home repair scams: http://www.howardcountymd.gov/CA/ca_factsheetsalerts.htm
Home alarm system scams: http://www.oag.state.md.us/consumer/tip70.htm.
For more information on peddling and soliciting in the county, call the Office of Consumer Affairs at 410-
313-6420 or visit http://consumer.howardcountymd.gov.
If you notice a suspicious person or vehicle in your neighborhood or if you believe you have been the
victim of a scam, call 911.
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For release: April 27, 2011 Contact: Sherry Llewellyn/Elizabeth Schroen, 410-313-2236