Scam Alert: We’d like to remind the community that in times of crisis scammers often prey on fear. Senior citizens are often most at-risk for falling victim to these scams. We are encouraging residents to alert their elderly family members and neighbors to these scams.

Scams targeting seniors comes in all types and vary in complexity. One type of scam involves fraudsters going door-to-door. They will often pose as contractors offering a service such as blacktop sealing, tree trimming, vehicle repair, and roofing. Typically, they start work and then leave the job unfinished once they have a deposit in hand.

Here are a few tips to avoid becoming the victim of a door-to-door scam:

• Do your research before hiring anyone to do work around your home
• Avoid responding to unsolicited offers of service
• Ask for identification if anyone comes to your door offering a service or product
• Keep your doors locked including when you are at home
• Alert your neighbors to any unusual experiences you have had or observed
• Visit the FTC website for more tips: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0242-hiring-contractor

Please remember to contact the Stafford Sheriff’s Office at (540) 658-4400 to report suspicious activity.