Full Notification

The Los Altos Police Department reminds you to beware of unlicensed contractors and home repairmen so you do not fall victim to home repair scams.

There have been recent instances in which Los Altos homeowners have been solicited by an unlicensed contractor or repairman to conduct work on their house.  If a person shows up to your door uninvited soliciting to do repair work, there is a high likelihood they are going to commit home repair fraud. Elderly homeowners are frequently targeted in this type of crime due to their willingness to trust that the work is necessary and the work will be completed properly.  

Common Types of Home Repair Fraud Include:

• Roofing repair
• Driveway sealing or pressure washing
• Automobile repair

Oftentimes, money will be exchanged up-front and then the repairman will simply never return. Other times, a small amount of work will be done and the project will be left unfinished, or the repairman will attempt to obtain more money from the homeowner to complete the work.  

Tips to Prevent Becoming a Victim:

• If residents are in need of home repair, they should seek out licensed contractors
• Get more than one estimate in order to better gauge how much the repair work should cost
• Any person who provides work with a combined cost of labor and materials over $500 is required to have a contractor’s license
• Write down the contractor’s license number and verify it through the Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board at www.cslb.ca.gov
• Make sure the contractor is insured and bonded
• Never feel pressured to sign a contract for repair work
• Never pay the full amount at the beginning of the job. Instead pay a small deposit if required and pay in installments as the work gets completed.

It is unlawful for contractors to solicit services door to door in Los Altos. If you observe or are approached by a suspicious person or solicitor, contact the Los Altos Police Department right away at (650) 947-2770 and Officers will investigate the matter further. Prompt reporting may help stop crimes before they are committed.