Police Seek Home Improvement Scam Victims

If you have been the victim of a home improvement scam, Montgomery County police want to know.

Police are investigating a series of home improvement scams since July 2011 in which homeowners in Rockville, Silver Spring and Gaithersburg were victims, according to a county police news release.

A District Court summons has been issued for Karl Leroy Davis, 42, of the 1000 block of Woods Place in Alexandria, Va., the release said.

Davis is charged with theft over $1,000, failing to perform a contract, operating without a license and theft scheme over $1,000.

Police say Davis would meet prospective customers, discuss a work plan, sign a contract and obtain a check, which he would cash without performing the contracted work. Victims’ attempts to contact would go unanswered, the release said.

Police believe there maybe additional victims who do not yet realize they have been defrauded by Davis.

Anyone with knowledge of Davis’s crimes is asked to call Officer Hedgepeth of the Montgomery County Police Department’s 4th District at 240-773-5500. Callers may remain anonymous.

Police offered these tips for homeowners to protect themselves from scams:

• Request to see a Maryland Home Improvement Commission license from prospective contractors.
• Request proof of insurance.
• Ask for references.
• Consult the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection at 240-777-3636 or http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/consumer
• Obtain three estimates from licensed firms.
• Initially never pay more than one-third of the stated contractual amount.
• Have a written contract that specifies the materials to be used.
• Perform an Internet search of the company.