The Austin Police Department has received a number of reports from elderly Austin residents who have been approached at their homes by individuals offering to repair their rooftops and electrical wiring. These individuals are not legitimate roofers and electricians, and residents are encouraged to contact APD Detective Kevin Covington at (512) 974-9774 or kevin.covington@austintexas.gov if they are targeted by these scammers.
The City of Austin and Austin Energy are not participating in any electrical rewiring of homes. This work would be done by a certified electrician and City employees wear identifiable badges. Residents who have questions about their electricity can call the Utility Contact Center at (512) 494-4900.
Scam 1
The suspects claim they are working on a house nearby or driving by and see a squirrel go inside the home through a hole in the roof. They offer to repair the roof for a fee and ask the resident to pay half the cost up front. The scammers “work” for an hour or so and then leave with the money.
Scam 2
Police also believe the same suspects are going to homes and claiming they are City of Austin employees and that the homes may need electrical rewiring to prevent a fire hazard. The suspects appear official and have been granted access to at least four homes in south Austin. They walk around and “check” the electrical outlets inside the home, claim repairs must be made immediately, and then charge a fee of $3,000 to make the repairs. The scammers say they will deduct $500 from the total cost if they pay with cash.
Suspect Descriptions
• White male in his 30s
• White female in her 30s
• White male believed to be 12-15 years old
• Two Hispanic males in their 20s
The suspects are believed to be driving a green or white pick-up truck. If you have any information about these suspects, please call APD Detective Kevin Covington at (512) 974-9774.