Staff report
Martinsville, Ind. – July 27, 2023
The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning to residents about a recent increase in reports involving suspicious door-to-door solicitations for seal coating and driveway repair services. According to the Sheriff’s Office, individuals in trucks carrying seal coating materials have been approaching homeowners in the area, offering their services over the past several weeks.
Authorities are urging citizens to exercise caution and be vigilant when dealing with these door-to-door practices, as they may often be linked to scams. To protect themselves from potential fraudulent schemes, the Sheriff’s Office recommends engaging only with reputable, licensed, insured, well-accredited, and legitimate businesses for any kind of work.
“In light of recent incidents, we want to remind the public to be wary of unsolicited offers for seal coating and driveway repairs,” said the MCSO in a Facebook post. “We encourage residents to take proactive steps to verify the legitimacy of these businesses before engaging with them.”
To ensure the credibility of a service provider, the Sheriff’s Office advises residents to conduct a thorough background check. This can be done by conducting a quick Google search, checking the business’s Facebook pages and reviews, and reaching out to friends and family to inquire about their experiences with the company. Additionally, consulting with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can provide valuable insights into the company’s reputation and customer feedback.
Law enforcement officials have noted that some of these door-to-door salespersons adopt high-pressure tactics to persuade homeowners to agree to their services immediately, as they may not return. Furthermore, they may present unofficial and substandard business cards or paperwork, including generic estimates, raising further red flags.
“If someone at your door is pressuring you to make an on-the-spot decision, it should raise suspicions,” advised the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office. “Remember, you have the right to take your time, ask for credentials, and thoroughly evaluate the legitimacy of the service being offered.”
The Sheriff’s Office urges residents to be firm but courteous when declining services from these individuals. If any resident encounters a concerning situation or believes that they might be at risk of falling victim to a potential scam, they are urged to contact the local authorities immediately. Making dispatch aware of the situation can help law enforcement respond promptly and address the issue effectively.
Residents with any information related to these suspicious door-to-door solicitations are encouraged to contact the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office: 765-342-1080
