Virginia Woman Charged in HoCo Home Improvement Scam

A Virginia woman has been charged with extortion in connection with a door-to-door home improvement scam in Howard County, police said in a statement.

Tabitha Nicole Sisk, 21, of Gladstone, VA, was charged with extortion less than $1,000; possession of marijuana; and making a false statement to an officer, online court records show.

Police said that Sisk and two other suspects who have not yet been charged went door-to-door offering yard and home improvement services in Howard County earlier this month. Online court records show the extortion occurred on July 10.

The three suspects offered services to one resident for an exorbitant fee, which was paid up front, police said.

The services were not satisfactorily completed, and the suspects returned to the residence multiple times to collect more money, according to police.

The scam took place in the 3400 block of Tyler Drive in Ellicott City, the Howard County Times reported. 

Police said additional charges against Sisk and two other suspects are pending.

To avoid becoming a victim of a scam, police noted the following warning signs:

• Up-front payment for unsolicited work is suspect. Scammers may set one price, then not deliver.
• Scammers may return and request additional compensation.
• There is often no contract involved.
• Scammers may perform yard work or home improvement services without a resident's consent, then demand payment.