Pocono News Section

Scammer Targeting Jersey Shore Senior Citizens

Scammer Targeting Jersey Shore Senior Citizens - Friday, September 26, 2008 at 5:25PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Friday, Sep 26, 2008 @ 05:25pm EST
Jersey Shore, Lycoming County-

According to police, a scam artist is targeting senior citizens around Jersey Shore.

Two incidents were reported Wednesday afternoon, the first on Washington Avenue, and the second on Staver Street.

In each case, a middle-aged man carrying tools approached an elderly woman claiming repair work was needed on her home. But police believe he's just hoping to make a clean getaway with someone else's money.

Thankfully, neither woman took the bait.

Edna Kemmerer, of Rocktown, said, "Anybody comes to our door, I wouldn't hand out money first before they did the job, that's for sure."

Jersey Shore resident Tony Riggle noted, "As soon as you hear a deal, you better look into it. Don't hand money out right away thinking you're going to get a deal, because you'll probably get ripped off."

Riggle actually does home repairs for American Dream Vinyl. He says people in his line of work don't go door-to-door soliciting jobs.

Riggle explained, "That's why you pay to do advertising and that's why you see all the big names in the newspaper. That's the best way to go. As soon as you hear you're going to get a deal, it's most likely a scam."

Both police officers and repair workers say there are plenty of ways to stay safe from these types of scam artists.

Riggle cautioned, "Look into the little things, because that's how you'll spot them out right away, because they won't have no credentials. Ask for credentials and ask for maybe references from other people they've worked for. And if they kind of get a weird look on their face or whatever, that's the first indication."

Experts suggest always obtaining a written contract before having any work done. And police advise seniors not to open their homes to uninvited strangers.

Kemmerer added, "I'd say 'I don't need it done, thank you,' that's it, and close the door."

According to eyewitnesses, the suspected scam artist is dark-skinned, in his 50’s, with wavy light brown hair. Anyone with information on the man should call Jersey Shore police.