The warmer days of spring come with the sounds of birds, lawnmowers and construction equipment. Unfortunately, spring also comes with a new set of scams.

The Newton Police Department is urging residents to look out for contractor and home improvement scams in the area.

“Scammers often target older adults, the disabled and those with limited mobility,” Lt. Amanda Henrickson wrote in a warning to the community on Wednesday. “Talk with your neighbors and loved ones to make them aware that these scams happen in Newton!”

The scammers often offer paving, roofing and masonry repairs and start with a small project before pressuring victims into approving bigger projects, often for damage caused by the scammers.

“Victims are left with unfinished, additional damage, poor repair work and out significant amounts of money,” Henrickson continued.

Here are some red flags police want you to watch for:

• People handing out flyers with generic business names.
• A business lacking permits or business certificates or having a business certificate that is brand new.
• People offering big discounts on materials left over from other projects.
• People only accepting cash or checks made out to them as payment.

If you encounter someone you think may be a scammer, police suggest you ask if they have a registered Home Improvement Contractor license. And you can check for their license on the state website.

You can also check on permits by calling the Newton Police Department’s non-emergency line, 617-796-2104.

“If you believe a scammer is soliciting in your neighborhood or if you feel intimidated or threatened by an individual at your door or on your property, contact the Newton Police right away,” Henrickson added.