Hawaii County police are warning the public about a suspected scam involving insecticide services being performed without prior authorization.

Officers responded to a Nov. 26 report by an 86-year-old South Kohala man that two men, who were not known to the homeowner, arrived at his house and cleaned insects from the eaves, sprayed what they said was insecticide and washed the exterior of the windows.

The men did not have prior authorization or an estimate for their services, but told the homeowner he owed $3,600. The homeowner paid them.

Police urge the public to report any suspicious business practices and to not feel intimidated into paying for services they did not request. Police ask that anyone with information about similar incidents to call the police non-emergency line at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.