Spring is around the corner. A time of blooming flowers, bird song and scam artists. They usually appear in the form of a handyman or perhaps a neatly dressed salesman representing a siding or roofing company. Det. Tom Wilcox of the Crimes Against Persons unit says, 'it is very difficult to apprehend them because of their methods'. 'Often a scammer will present himself as a polite, well meaning laborer looking for work for cash'. 'He might approach a potential victim by knocking on doors or by casing a neighborhood for victims like an elderly person'. 'He'll attempt to get a commitment for work and obtain a down payment or if possible, the entire amount in advance'.
   Wilcox refers to a recent case where a man in his forties cased an area, found a target and moved in.  He found a widow who needed siding.  Knocked on her door, presented his card and took measurements. A few minutes later, he offered her a deal she couldn't refuse, had her sign a phony contract, collected a fifty percent advance payment of $875.00 dollars and disappeared.  
   Another case involved a young man who offered to do some odd jobs for several neighbors. He also collected an advance for materials and never returned with the materials.

   Following are some tactics to look for when approached by someone who offers a deal that is too good to be true, according to the National Consumer Law Center at consumerlaw.org

(1.) Offers low prices for installed items like windows and home siding, and then tells the homeowner the item is out of stock and can only be replaced with a high-priced substitute.
(3.) Exaggerates the urgency of making repairs.
(4.) Increases the original estimate expense, stating that the materials must be custom made.
(5.) Leads the customer to believe he is getting discounted rates in return for allowing his home to be listed as a model, when in reality the consumer is paying market or above market costs.
(7.) Exaggerates the benefits and/or value added to the home, based upon improvements.
(8.) Misleads or deceives the customer regarding the terms of financing.

   Scam artists are people who use charm and cunning to obtain trust and money on the first visit. They usually won't have an advertisement in the yellow pages, insurance or a contractor's license.  According to Det. Wilcox, 'if someone approaches you, ask for a driver's license at the very least, record the name and address.  Ask for a home and business phone number and don't pay advance money for materials, unless you really know who you're dealing with'.