Police Warning of Home Improvement Scams

Big Island police are again warning the public to be on the lookout for scams involving work such as home improvements or car repairs.

The scams, which often target the elderly, usually involve the perpetrator asking for full payment up front to allow for the purchase of material and supplies. The result is often that the work is not completed or is done in a shoddy manner.

Police are cautioning the public to conduct their own research before hiring an unlicensed contractor. While many perform excellent work, the remedies are few if they conduct substandard work, police said.

“Consumers should ask for documents of identification from the individuals performing any work and only sign a written contract that specifies conditions of the project, including a deadline,” a police statement said.

Anyone who may have victimized in such a scam should call the police department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311, or go to their nearest police station to file a complaint. They can also call the state’s Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs at 808-587-3222.