CALUMET — The State Police Post has been receiving numerous complaints in reference to a contractor soliciting business over the telephone. They have received enough complaints that Community Service Trooper Kevin Rajala issued a press release on the matter.

Residents report the contractor(s) are offering services at discounted rates due to having left over materials from previous contracts or job sites.

Sergeant Matt Djerf of the Calumet Post said that while the contractors are not doing anything illegal, troopers have received numerous calls reporting poor workmanship.

“It’s not a scam or anything like that,” Djerf said, “but there are some reports of sub-par work, and things that.”

The contractors are out-of-area, Djerf said, but one in particular has been mentioned several times, and also another is a sub-contractor who is working for the main contractor.

“Some residents,” he said, “have, not made police reports, but have basically said they came in and did some work and it was horrible,” Djerf said.

Djerf said troopers have not found anything criminal, and there is not an open investigation, but callers have complained about pushy sales tactics, trying to get people to “jump on” the contracts.

In response to the calls and complaints, troopers would like to remind the public to ask the solicitors for references from other local homeowners where work has already been completed, also verify that the company is licensed and insured in Michigan, and get a written estimate and or contract before any work is completed.

“Aside from these particular contractors, always check references before you give them any money,” Djerf said. “Do your homework before you hire anybody and make sure you’re going to get your money’s worth.”