The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office is alerting Berkshire County residents of an active senior citizen/homeowner scam occurring across New England. The scam involves one person knocking on a door asking to speak with a resident inside. The scammer will state that they observed dead trees on the property that they can cut down for an affordable price OR state the house is a good fit for solar panels that they can install at a low cost. The scammer will attempt to lure the resident outside to look at the trees or the area where solar panels can be installed. While the homeowner is outside with the first scammer, a second scammer will enter the house to rob it.
This scam is targeting senior citizen homeowners.
The scammers might be dressed in professional clothing and appear to be working for a legitimate tree service or solar panel company.
The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office advises senior citizens and homeowners to never accept unsolicited service proposals from anyone, even if the individual states they are trying to help. If there are extenuating circumstances where a homeowner feels it is important to hear what an unsolicited visitor is saying, do not let the individual into the house and do not leave the house with the unknown person.
If you believe you, or someone you know, has been scammed or to report potential scams please contact the local police department.
The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office will host a senior citizen fraud event in conjunction with the US Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement agencies in early October. The date and locations (a North County and Central/South County event) will be announced in coming weeks.
Resources for senior citizen fraud include the Office of Victims of Crime, National Elder Fraud Hotline and Information, and the National Council on Aging, Avoiding Scams and Fraud for Older Adults.