Sheriff: "Gypsies" And "Travelers" In Cherokee County

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office is warning residents that persons known as "gypsies" or "travelers" are in the area.
 
The sheriff says these are groups of people - usually about four - that will offer to do work for low costs. Law officers say they will offer to do roofing, paving, or home improvement construction. Typically they require payment in advance, then they either do substandard work or do not perform they work at all according to the Sheriff's Office.
 
The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office is asking if someone comes to your business or residence offering to perform work, please call 911.
 
They also provide these tips for avoiding scams:
 
Never pay for work in advance. If they won't bill you for the service, don't do business with them. 
 
Never pay cash for a service. Write a check instead, and wait until all work has been completed before paying so you can inspect the work first to make sure that it has been done to your satisfaction.
 
Don't let servicemen or handymen into your home if you didn't call to report a problem. Most legitimate repair businesses don't make unsolicited house calls.
 
Insist on seeing some form of official identification, such as a sales permit or occupational license.
 
If you're looking for a home repairman for things such as driveway paving and roof repairs, check the phone book, get references from friends and neighbors and consult local trade organizations, the Better Business Bureau or the Chamber of Commerce.
 
Get a written estimate from several firms. Make sure the bids are based on identical project specifications.
 
Once you've selected a company, get a written contract for the work to be performed and make sure you fully understand it. Get all guarantees, warranties and promises in writing. Agree on start and completion dates and have them written into the contract.
 
Ask the contractor for customer references who have had projects similar to yours.
 
Never do business with construction companies soliciting door-to-door or handymen offering to do work cheaply because they have leftover material from another job.
 
Remember that bargain repairs usually aren't a bargain. A free inspection or low-cost cleaning job often turns up the need for expensive repairs that will cost thousands of dollars.
 
Never do business in a hurry or allow yourself to be pressured into accepting a one-day offer.