The Luxembourg Police have issued a warning to the public following a surge in reports of suspicious trade offers for cleaning and renovation work across the country.
According to authorities, individuals or companies are contacting private residents either by showing up at their homes unannounced or by distributing flyers and advertising leaflets containing attractive but vague promises. The services offered primarily concern exterior maintenance work, including cleaning stone façades or paving stones, façade renovation, and roofing.
Police note that these offers are frequently accompanied by demands for large sums of money, often required in cash and sometimes requested before any work has begun. In several reported cases, the promised work was either only partially completed or not carried out at all. Other victims have stated that the contractors became unreachable after receiving payment.
Authorities describe the practices as relying on pressure and manipulation. Common tactics include claiming that an offer is valid only for that day, presenting exceptional promotions, or citing urgency related to weather conditions. These methods are intended to push customers into making hasty decisions without proper consideration.
Warning signs identified by police include vaguely worded advertisements such as “cleaning or renovation at a special price,” an immediate start to work without a prior assessment, demands for cash payment, very basic quotes or sometimes handwritten invoices, and imprecise descriptions of services without details on materials, surface areas, or labour time.
In response to such proposals, police recommend not giving in to pressure and avoiding any decision made on the doorstep or over the phone. Residents are advised not to pay large sums in cash and only to hand over money on the basis of a detailed written agreement.
Authorities also urge consumers to demand a precise quote specifying the scope of work, prices, deadlines, and payment terms. They recommend verifying the company’s existence and full contact details, comparing several offers before deciding, and requesting an invoice upon completion of the work while retaining all documentation.
A special appeal has been made for collective vigilance, particularly towards elderly members of the community. Police encourage everyone to inform and raise awareness among older relatives and acquaintances, who are often more frequently targeted by this type of canvassing, in order to help prevent potential scams.
