A familiar scam is making the rounds again in Arlington, and police say it’s already fooled several residents.
The Arlington County Police Department is warning people to watch out for individuals posing as contractors—some even claiming to work for the County—offering driveway sealing, roof repairs, and other home improvements. The catch? You pay up front, and the work never happens.
According to police, these scammers are going door-to-door, pressuring residents into quick decisions with promises of fast, cheap repairs. Once they get your money—whether it’s cash, check, or a digital payment—they vanish.
Here’s how to protect yourself:
-
Don’t hire strangers who show up uninvited. Legitimate contractors don’t go door-to-door, and Arlington County definitely doesn’t send workers around to offer private services.
-
Watch for red flags. Cash-only deals, high-pressure sales tactics, and offers without contracts are all signs that something isn’t right.
-
Verify licenses. Check contractors through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
-
Check reviews and references. A quick online search can go a long way.
-
Never pay the full amount upfront. A fair down payment is usually no more than 10%.
Police say County contractors will never solicit private work while on the job or request payments directly from residents. All County staff wear visible ID badges, and they won’t randomly show up at your door to sell services.
If you think you’ve been targeted by this scam, visit ACPD’s Financial Crimes page for more info and how to report it.