The Berkeley Police Department is alerting residents, particularly seniors, to a surge in fraudulent roofing and masonry scams sweeping through local neighborhoods.

Officers say small crews of traveling scammers are canvassing door-to-door, pitching low-cost repairs before pressuring homeowners into paying thousands of dollars for work that is shoddy, unnecessary or never completed. Reported losses range from $10,000 to $450,000.

The suspects typically arrive in white pickup trucks and wear high-visibility vests to project legitimacy. Their pitch is consistent: they claim to have been working nearby, say they spotted damage to a roof or chimney, and offer to fix it on the spot for $150 to $200. Once on the roof, investigators say, they may deliberately cause damage — then demand large upfront payments to repair the problem they created.

Warning signs include unsolicited door-to-door offers, demands for cash or checks made out to individuals rather than a business, and an inability to produce a valid solicitor's permit or state contractor's license. Some suspects use fictitious business names or claim to be working from out of the country.

"This is a predatory crime that exploits the trust of our most vulnerable neighbors," said Detective Sgt. Jeremy Lathrop. "We urge all residents to talk to their elderly family members and neighbors about these tactics. Do not let anyone on your roof without a verified contract and license."

Police recommend that homeowners decline unsolicited estimates, verify any contractor's license through the state licensing board, and get a second opinion from an established local contractor before authorizing repairs.