Beware of 'carpet cleaning' scam

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - What authorities believe could be a new scam has residents in west Mobile and the Semmes area on alert. It involves carpet cleaning, and in some cases, the scam is said to be part of a school fundraiser.

For the past couple of days, social media have been buzzing about a new scam designed to clean you out.

According to reports, it starts with a knock at the door. Homeowners tell FOX10 a nicely dressed woman asks if you'd be interested in having your carpets cleaned. They said on some occasions, she has told the homeowners it's a part of a high school fundraiser.

"No, we would never do that. Individual schools do have fundraisers. Some sell coupon books or wrapping paper, but most of the kids stay in their neighborhood or are with their parents," said Nancy Pierce with the Mobile County Public School System.

Pierce said the system would not be involved in carpet cleaning. Lori Myles with the Mobile County Sheriff's Office said deputies have received calls.

"Well, we've been made aware of it as well and put it out to our patrol units. There's a lot of crime right now especially towards the Wal-Mart area from the calls we've received," said Myles.

Myles said it's important to see something in writing and pay attention to things like letterheads. Never pay up front, and never let anyone in your home to see what's inside.

Myles said with Christmas around the corner, most of the time these types of scams are more common and people get more brazen in their attempts.

The description of the car that was given was an older model, maroon Tahoe.