Door-to-door scammers harass area residents

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Police Department put out a statement letting residents know there is a black pickup contacting residents regarding chip sealing driveways. According to the reporting party, the suspects said they are working with the company associated with the current projects in Soap Lake. However, SLPD said this is not an affiliated company.  

The Grant County Sheriff’s Department also released a statement on the matter with information on how to avoid getting scammed by door-to-door scammers.  

The GCSO statement says to watch for keys things such as if they approach you without you contacting them first. It also says to ask about insurance, if the company does not have insurance, any accidents that may occur will be blamed on the person receiving service.  

The Better Business Bureau also encourages consumers to ask for licenses of any contractors they hire to work on their property. Licenses contractors will provide their documentation promptly, as required by law. 

If they don’t take checks or credit cards, it’s likely a scam, the GCSO wrote. The sheriff’s office encourages people to pay with credit cards or debit cards when working on a home project, because this allows residents to safeguard money in case something goes wrong.  

If they are asking for advance payments, this is likely a scam where they will run as soon as they are paid, according to the GCSO. If the company doesn't have a permanent location, it is likely a scam. If they won’t show you past projects or history of work, it’s likely because they don’t have one or they don’t do honest work.  

The statement ends by asking people to watch out for elderly or special-needs neighbors who may be vulnerable to these types of scams. GCSO said to call 509-762-1160 if you believe there is a scammer trying these tactics.