Credit: Ali Sahib, Chronicle.lu

The Grand Ducal Police have issued a warning about a recent increase in individuals and companies offering handyman services using questionable methods.

According to the police, contact usually takes place through unannounced visits to private addresses (“doorstep selling”), as well as via advertising brochures, flyers or leaflets.

The offers mainly concern work in the areas of exterior cleaning, stone and paving cleaning, façade cleaning and renovation, as well as all types of roofing work.

The police warned that these suspicious offers sometimes involve high sums of money, often requested in cash and in some cases in advance. In several reported cases, the promised work was either not carried out at all or only partially completed, while some providers became unreachable after receiving payment. Police suspect that customers are being pressured into making payments through unclear service promises, time pressure or excessive demands.

To help the public identify such practices, the police recommend looking out for the following warning signs:

  • advertising via flyers or leaflets with vague wording (for example “cleaning/renovation at a special price”);

  • providers begin work shortly after making contact without carrying out adequate prior assessment;

  • pressure tactics (for example “today only”, “special offer”, “weather window”);

  • requests for cash payment, especially prior to starting or completing the work;

  • very general offers or invoices, sometimes handwritten;

  • unclear descriptions of services and a lack of price breakdown, including materials, labour time and surface area.

The police advise the public to take the following precautions:

  • avoid feeling pressured and refrain from making hasty decisions at the door or over the phone;

  • avoid paying large sums in cash and, if making any payment, do so only on the basis of a written agreement;

  • insist on a detailed cost estimate, including the scope of work, materials, price, timeline and payment terms;

  • check company details such as full address, telephone number and the identity of the responsible person, and obtain comparison quotes;

  • request an invoice after completion of the work and keep all related documentation.

In such situations, the authorities also urge the public to help inform and raise awareness among older people in their communities about these offers.