SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Residents of Springfield are being cautioned by local authorities about a concerning scam that is being carried out in person rather than over the phone.

The Springfield Police Department has taken to Facebook to alert the community about individuals masquerading as contractors. These scammers are approaching homes directly, offering to perform work. In numerous reports, the work is either poorly done or left unfinished, with victims being charged exorbitant fees that do not reflect the quality or extent of the services provided.

Alarmingly, there has been at least one instance where a scammer gained entry into a resident’s home under the pretense of conducting legitimate work, only to steal belongings from within, according to police officials.