Two Sioux Falls residents have reported being scammed by door to door scammers in the last couple of weeks.

The suspect is not a licensed arborist and is offering tree trimming services.  Each victim lost more than $3,000 according to Officer Sam Clemmens of the Sioux Falls Police Department.

"The suspect walked up to the victims and offered to trim the victims’ trees since the suspect said he was already working in the area," explained Clemens. "Unfortunately, neither victim asked to see the suspect’s State Sale’s Permit or City of Sioux Falls Peddler’s License, which all door-to-door sales are required to have. Without those permits, it is illegal to sell goods or services door-to-door."

Here are a few things to keep in mind when hiring tree trimming services:

  • Check with the Better Business Bureau
  • All tree trimming companies/arborists are required to be licensed with the City. A list of licensed arborists is available at www.siouxfalls.org/parks/forestry.
  • Ask to see their company permit or license. A peddler’s permit, for door to door sales, ensures the company is bonded. The arborist license ensures the company has liability insurance and understands how to properly trim or care for a tree.

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