EVERETT, Wash. — Con artists in Snohomish County are posing as workers from legitimate local heating and air conditioning businesses.
Quick Facts:
- Scammers sometimes do work, but it's done in a shoddy manner
- Con artists sometimes call pretending to be real company to get cash
- Preferred targets are people over 65
- Never give out personal information
In some cases, the scammers even install the heating or air conditioning work, but in many cases, the work is completed in a shoddy manner.
Other times, the con artist will call and pretend to be part of real businesses in an attempt to get cash.
A legitimate business offered these tips to protect consumers.
Those who schedule to have work done should confirm appointments with the company and then call the business to verify.
Never give out personal information such as credit card or social security numbers.
Ask for a construction contractor’s license number to double check the business.
Some companies mark their vans and their workers wear uniforms with their logos.
Experts say the con artists' favorite targets are people who are more than 65 years old, but the scam could happen to anyone.