Police warn Bay Staters of snow removal scams

BEDFORD, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Bedford Police are looking for three men they say are bilking the elderly and disabled out of thousands of dollars by claiming to be a snow removal service.

“It's sad they prey on people like this,” said Officer Jeff French. “If you have elderly neighbors, keep an eye on them.”

Bedford Police said the men, who are from Maine, have followed the snowy weather down to the Boston area and are soliciting for shoveling and snow removal services door to door.

“These people don't have any lettering on their truck, don't have insurance, don't have a company name,” French said.

Sarah Angus said her 88-year-old husband was alone at home when the men came by and offered to shovel off the Angus' 1000 square foot roof, and then charged her husband $1,750.

Police said two days later the men returned and demanded an additional payment of $990 before they disappeared.

“We feel scammed, both of us,” Angus said. “It was an expensive learning experience.”

Police in Billerica and Concord are investigating similar reports, and police are telling residents to demand credentials and proof of insurance from any snow removal company soliciting door to door.

91 year old Marie Petricone and her daughter Valerie told FOX25 the men also knocked on their door, but walked away empty-handed.

“They come to the door, I don't buy nothing. Sometimes I just open up the window and say what do you want?” Petricone said.

Both women said they would be on the lookout for the men to return, but said they were furious at the idea of anyone preying on the elderly.

“People are struggling on a daily basis to survive and these jerks come along and rip you off,” Valerie said.

Anyone with information on the suspects should contact their local police department.

Cox Media Group