Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly is warning homeowners to protect themselves as spring home‑improvement season brings a rise in construction scams.

Donnelly said these schemes often start with someone showing up unannounced and offering repair work. She explained that scammers typically demand large upfront payments, usually in cash, and then disappear — sometimes leaving a home in worse condition than before.

She said, if you do fall for one of these scams, “They're going to ask for a lot of money up front. They're going to want cash. And oftentimes they walk away and leave your house in worse repair than it was before they started.”

The DA’s office has seen this pattern before. Just last November, Clifford Whitaker was sentenced to six months in jail after pleading guilty to scamming an elderly Franklin Square couple out of $20,000. The couple said he damaged their chimney and roof during the so‑called repair.

Donnelly pointed to several warning signs. She said homeowners should be cautious if someone simply walks up and knocks on the door, noting that most legitimate construction companies don’t solicit business that way. She also said any request for the full payment upfront should be treated as a red flag.

“Any legitimate company is going to want some money up front, but if they're asking for the whole amount or a large portion of it, that should be a red flag. Don't pay cash. Pay with a check that can be traced,” Donnelly added.

Donnelly urged homeowners to get a second opinion, verify credentials online, and contact Consumer Affairs if something feels off. She emphasized that residents should not hesitate to decline an offer if anything seems suspicious.