AACO Police: Increase In Home Improvement Scams
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) -- Spring scams. Anne Arundel County Police report an uptick in the number of home improvement crimes.
It's a trend detectives have seen over the years, and as Gigi Barnett explains, suspects are targeting elderly homeowners.
Spring is home improvement season and Anne Arundel County Police say it's also the time for thieves to strike. Detectives are warning homeowners to be on guard, as they've seen an increase in home repair schemes.
The latest involve 39-year-old Tommy Clack, from Myrtle Beach, S.C. Detectives say last month he went door-to-door and scammed two elderly homeowners.
"He indicates he's doing some paving in the area. He has extra materials nearby or he was doing work nearby," said Justin Mulcahy, Anne Arundel County police spokesperson. "He becomes sort of persistent. He's only dealing with verbal estimates not written estimates."
And once his victims agree, detectives say that's when Clack clamps down.
"Ultimately what he does is, he comes back with the crew. He performs the work, but charges a substantial amount more money that he initially discussed with the victims," said Mulcahy.
Police say homeowners can protect themselves by getting other estimates from reputable companies, compare prices and always get something in writing.
Clack has several warrants out for his arrest. Detectives are searching for more of his victims. Anyone with information should call Anne Arundel County Police at 410-222-1960.
