BALTIMORE (Map, News) - A contractor offering to trim the trees or seal the driveway might be a traveling scam artist, county officials said.

Howard County Executive Ken Ulman is warning residents of door-to-door solicitors offering to perform home improvement services.

These so-called “travelers” tend to take advantage of unsuspecting residents this time of year, performing low-quality work, Ulman said.

The solicitors often request payment up front and provide false contact information, county officials said. They rarely issue contracts, or the contract language is vague.

Howard’s Office of Consumer Affairs has received reports of these travelers soliciting work in the county, Ulman said.

Contractors in Howard are required to have an identification card issued by the Office of Consumer Affairs.

Painting, paving and other home improvement work requires a Maryland home improvement contractor’s license. To verify the license, call 410-230-6309.

A contractor in Maryland also cannot require more than one-third of payment up front, according to county officials.

To report these solicitations or for more information, call 410-313-6420 or e-mail consumer@howardcountymd.gov.