Police chief warns residents about debris removal scammers
Police Chief Michael Ramey is urging residents to be cautious after reports of people making phone calls or going door-to-door offering cleanup services and overcharging for debris removal in the area, a police notice said.
The notice asks anyone who encounters suspicious activity to gather available information, including names, phone numbers and the city in Mississippi where the contractors are registered. The notice adds that individuals who cannot show registration should be directed to Booneville City Hall to verify their credentials.
Officials did not provide additional details about specific incidents. Debris-removal scams are a common issue after storms and other events that create large amounts of household or yard waste; dishonest operators may demand large upfront payments, perform shoddy work or disappear without finishing a job.
City and police officials generally advise residents to verify contractor registration, ask for written estimates, check references and avoid paying large sums in cash up front. Residents with information about suspected scammers were asked to report it to the police. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
