TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE – Residents of the area should beware of scams with the arrival of spring, advises Poughkeepsie Town Police Chief Thomas Mauro.

Town police have already begun investigating scams, particularly against the elderly, which involve driveway paving, general home repair, chimney cleaning, gutter repair and tree trimming.  Those scams involve contractors going door to door and either requiring payment up front and the work is not performed or they do a poor job and overcharge when the work is completed.

The chief noted the contractors will first require cash for payment, but even if they cannot get cash, they try for a personnel check that is made out in their name, not the business name. They will then proceed to the bank to cash it and the victim will never see them again or reach them by phone.

Most recently in Poughkeepsie, an elderly woman agreed to pay $100 to have two asphalt holes patched after two men stopped by their house soliciting business. When completed, the workers told the homeowner she owed $1,200 for the same work and asked for cash which would allow her a $100 discount.

The homeowner withdrew $1,100 for payment and the men left after giving her a generic hand written receipt.