CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — Police in Cumberland County are warning residents about potential scammers as the weather turns warmer.
The North Middletown Township Police Department on Tuesday issued a warning to residents that scammers may approach homeowners with offers to pave and seal their driveways, perform roof work, or other work offers -- but it's all a ruse designed to access a victim's home to steal from them.
The scammers may travel in groups of two or more, police said. Their "work offers" often require payment upfront, according to police.
Once they have left the premises, the work is often incomplete or of inferior quality, police said.
Sometimes the scammers will pose as workers for fencing companies, utility companies, tree-trimming companies, etc. to distract the homeowner while an accomplice gains access to the home.
"These are all scams aimed to victimize our communities," the police department said. "Beware!"
Police also warned residents to be wary of phone scammers attempting to get their call recipients to share personal information.
"A very popular scam is illegitimate calls from the Internal Revenue Service," police said. "The IRS does not make calls such as this. If you are a victim of a scam IRS phone caller, report this to the Treasury Inspector General Tax Administration at 800-366-4484 or visit https://www.treasury.gov/tigta/contact_report_scam.shtml."
"We are especially reminding our elderly residents to be on guard and not to be too trusting. If anything seems suspicious or you feel uncomfortable about a person or situation, DO NOT LET THEM INTO YOUR HOME UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES! Call us at once at 243-7910."
