Police warn of repair scam

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By JOSHUA WOLFSON

Star-Tribune staff writer

Casper police are warning residents to be on the lookout for home repair scams that have occurred in the area.

Out-of-state scam artists have approached some residents with what appears to be a great deal on a home repair project, with the aim of bilking them out of hundreds of dollars.

"People need to be aware that if it seems too good to be true, it is," said Casper police Lt. Mike Moore.

One version of the scam involves a person who presents himself as a contractor who has extra asphalt following a job. He pulls up at a home and offers the people there a great deal to repair a driveway. However, once the scam artist has been paid, he leaves after doing a shoddy job or not even doing any work at all.

Authorities have received two complaints of a paving scam. They are also aware of a similar con involving roof repairs.

Although the scam artists come from out-of-state, police warn their vehicles have Wyoming license plates. Moore recommends that residents ask for local references before hiring someone for repair work.

Repair scams have been a problem in the Casper area before. Police in 1999 warned of a group that targeted elderly residents with roofing and driveway repair schemes.

Reach Star-Tribune crime reporter Joshua Wolfson at (307) 266-0582 or at josh.wolfson@trib.com.