Brandon Twp.- Spring brings plenty of opportunities to make home improvements outside, but police are warning residents to beware of criminals posing as contractors.
The crimes are known as ‘bunco scams? to law enforcement officials, and occur when criminals pretending to be legitimate professionals approach homeowners offering to do work such as sealcoating their driveway, or painting the exterior of their barn, at a reduced cost. The perpetrator may explain the low cost by telling the resident that they have leftover asphalt from another job in the neighborhood. Once the homeowner has agreed to the ‘deal,? the criminals may apply a thin layer of asphalt that breaks in a few days, or use other incorrect or low-quality materials. They collect the money before the victim is aware of the substandard work.
Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Pete Burkett said he can recall at least three of these scams being reported in the township during the last two years.
‘The sad thing is the majority of these crimes don’t get reported, because people are embarrassed,? he said. ‘They feel foolish and stupid, but reporting is vital, otherwise these people rob from others. It is a crime, not a poor choice on your part.?
According to The National Association of Bunco Investigators, the word ‘bunco? comes from the Spanish word ‘banco,? meaning bank, and is used to describe several swindle schemes. Other terms for the swindles are confidence or con games. In a scheme, the bunco operator gains the participant’s confidence by telling a believable story; asks for the participant’s help or promises the participant money or goods; and asks the participant to show ‘good faith? by producing cash in advance for the promised money or goods.
To avoid becoming a victim, Burkett said to look for possible tip-offs if someone comes to your door offering to do work.
‘If they look shady, they probably are,? he said. ‘Are they driving a van or pick-up truck that isn’t marked with a company name? Everyone knows reputable sealcoaters are out there, but they won’t show up soliciting you for work. You call them.?
If residents are approached, they should request to see a contracting license, and if they are able to get a company name or license plate number, call the Brandon substation at 248-627-4911 to ask for a deputy to come out and talk to them.
Sometimes, even when you have turned away a suspicious contractor, they will return and do partial work anyway when you’re not home and later demand payment, Burkett noted.
‘Be careful, be suspicious,? he said.
‘If it’s too good to be true, it is.?
For more information, visit the NABI website