Home improvement scammers hit St. Charles

A St. Charles couple are $3,700 poorer thanks to some home repair con artists.

Police were called earlier this month to a house on South 13th Street.

An 88-year-old woman told them that earlier that day, three men in a truck had approached her twice — once as she and her 90-year-old husband left to run errands, and again when they returned.

One of the men, who said his name was Joe, told her he had worked on the house before and knew a contractor the woman was familiar with. As the woman helped her husband into the house, the man followed her in while telling the other two to start working.

The man told the woman he needed to see the fireplace, then engaged her in conversation for personal information.

After 90 minutes, he told her the work was done, and presented her with a bill for $3,700. The bill did not have a company letterhead.

The woman paid cash, and the crime was later reported by her visiting daughter.

The “work” consisted of spray painting a railing, putting tar around the base of a chimney, and putting an unknown white substance on a sidewalk.

The men were described as having dark complexions and short, dark hair. “Joe” was in his early 50s with an average build. The second man was 30 to 40 years old and heavyset. The third was in his 20s with a thin build. The full-sized silver truck had a cardboard “Illinois Construction” sign on the driver’s side door.

Anyone who sees this vehicle or the men should call 911.