Port St. Lucie - Tuesday April 12, 2022: The Port St. Lucie Police Department reports that they have recently seen an increase in contractor fraud and rental scams.
In a post on the PSL Facebook page the Department provides some tips to help residents avoid becoming a victim of contractor fraud.
1-Never pay the full amount for the job upfront.
2-Ensure your contractor obtains building permits and their work is inspected and up to code.
3-Ask for your contractor’s license and verify it via https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp
4-Don’t agree to a job if there is no written contract and never pay in cash.
5-Research your contractor via the Better Business Bureau at https://www.bbb.org/
Tips to Avoid Rental Scams
1-Never agree to visit a home by yourself, unless accompanied by a licensed real estate agent.
2-Don’t send money for a security deposit or first month’s rent unless you have seen the property in person and signed a lease.
3-Never wire or send money oversees to an agent or owner.
4-Properties that are priced well below the going market rate are most likely a scam.
5-Property listings with typos, poor grammar, and full of errors are scams.
If you believe you have fallen victim to contractor fraud or a rental scam, call the PSLPD at: (772) 871-5000 or visit their website at: police@cityofpsl.com.