WMBFNews.com | Myrtle Beach/Florence, SC | News, Weather, SportsHome repair scammers trick Florence residents

Home repair scammers trick Florence residents

FLORENCE COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - A number of complaints regarding a door-to-door residential service scam has sparked an investigation by the Florence County Sheriff's Office, officials announced Thursday.

Residents tell officials the people, who officials are calling "scam artists," are knocking on their doors offering to perform house or yard work for little to no charge. The services, officials say, include carpet cleaning, painting and the installation of alarm systems.

During the time of service, residents have reported they have discovered personal property missing or their homes burglarized shortly thereafter the services were performed.

"There are legitimate businesses in our community which offer services door-to-door, but we need to be careful of who we let in our homes," Sheriff Kenny Boone warned.

Jennifer Floyd says she was a target for this very scam after someone offered to clean her carpet for free.

She says a girl, alone with no car in sight, came to her door offering her services.  She told Floyd she would be back later to make an appointment because she didn't have her equipment with her.

Floyd saw the red flags and didn't fall for the scam.

"It's always been around and it's always going to continue to be around," commented Floyd. "You just need to be diligent and try not to become a victim of it."

Boone says elderly residents, especially, are hesitant to report the crimes to local law enforcement.  Officials suggest before granting workers access to your home, you should first ask for positive business identification, local references and a copy of the worker's business license.

Anyone with questions or concerns regarding this newest scam to hit the Pee Dee and Florence area is asked to call Sgt. Pricilla Zimmerman at (843) 665- 2121 ex. 387 or the Better Business Bureau at (843) 661-0410.

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