Home Repair Scams

The Office of the Tulare County District Attorney, Phil Cline, District Attorney, the Elder Abuse Prosecution Program and the Elder Abuse Advocacy and Outreach Program issue the following warning: Individuals and groups of individuals have been calling and approaching citizens in Tulare County offering to make repairs or handle major maintenance projects on homes. Elderly persons are specifically targeted. In some situations, the targeted individuals are asked to provide significant sums of money in advance to purchase supplies. In other situations, the service or product supplied is inadequate or shoddily applied.

Recently an elderly woman was approached in the South County region with an offer to resurface her driveway. She was informed a job had just been completed at a nearby location and they would resurface her driveway with leftover material for half the price of the other job. A business card left by the individual shows no business name, no address, only a cell phone number from Montana.

We recommend anyone contacted for services ask for identifying information such as business location, business license, contractor license and any other information to establish the legitimacy of the individual. Furthermore, request estimates in writing, written contracts and do not provide large sums of money in advance. If you have any suspicions decline the service. Call your local police department non-emergency number, the Sheriff’s Department, or the Office of the District Attorney. If you are a senior citizen, in addition, you may also call Tulare County Adult Protective Services (559) 733-6585 or the Office of the District Attorney Elder Abuse Unit at (559) 636-5471.