Earlier this month, Roseville Police arrested a man for allegedly attempting to swindle an elderly resident out of money for a home repair. A bank employee thought something didn’t seem right and alerted police.
Roseville police apprehended the suspect, who is from Texas.
City of Roseville staff often get complaints from homeowners who have door-to-door salespeople pressuring them to buy products or services. Some solicitors target senior citizens and try to scare them into making immediate decisions about their product or service.
Solicitation in Roseville is legal between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. If residents do not want solicitors coming to their door, they can post a “No Peddlers or Solicitors” sign. If a sign is posted and someone comes to the door, that person is trespassing. Residents are encouraged to call Roseville Police at 651-767-0640. If you feel threatened, immediately call 9-1-1.
A few reminders before hiring someone to do home repairs or landscaping projects:
- Do not be pressured into making an immediate decision about purchasing a product or service.
- Be wary of a person who happens to be in the neighborhood and looking for a side job.
- Do not work with a contractor who requires full or substantial prepayment on work.
- Do not pay in full until work is completed to your satisfaction.
- Get a signed contract with full details of scope of work and costs.
- Ask friends or neighbors for recommendations for companies or individuals.
- Check references, and check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the person or company.
The Attorney General’s office has extensive information about types of fraud and what a person should do if you believe you’ve been a victim of a scam or fraud. Visit www.ag.state.mn.us/Consumer or call 651-296-3353 for information.
Residents are encouraged to talk with family members, neighbors and friends about scams and frauds in Roseville. Working together and raising awareness can help reduce the chances of being a victim.
Contact Roseville Police Community Relations Coordinator Corey Yunke at 651-792-7209 or corey.yunke@cityofroseville.com for additional information. If you believe you have been a victim of a scam, call the police at 651-767-0640 or file a report at www.cityofroseville.com/police/file-a-report.