Fairfield Glade Residents Beware Of Home Improvement Scams

Home improvement scammers working the Fairfield Glade community.

Scammers approach homes needing repairs asking for money in advance for materials and labor. Police Chief Michael Williams said areas with large senior citizen populations are more likely to fall victim to these scams.

“It is more common then we like to see,” Williams said. “A lot of folks are very trusting here. On occasion, we have scammers who come up and pose as legitimate contractors.”

Fairfield Glade police have received reports of two scammers in the past six months with one arrested Sunday. Isaac Houston Butler of Pikeville was charged with theft by home improvement services. Williams said when dealing contractors, always call their references, never pay for materials up front and do not trust ones who approach you first.

“If the contractor is not licensed, and the repair is very large with a demand of money upfront, those are some red flags,” Williams said. “Most legit and honest contractors do not pressure you to pay for materials up front. Good contractors can secure the materials and set up payment options.”

Williams said the other scammer reported earlier this year would damage a residents roof then knock on their door offering repairs. Fairfield Glade police started a investigative branch for scams five years ago in response to scams to the senior citizen population.

“They should contact their local police department if you suspect a scam,” Williams said. “If they do it to you, they have done it to someone else as well. It is best to get the word out for others to be aware.”