Scam targets elderly
By John Joyce
Published in News on August 4, 2013 1:50 AM
The Wayne County Sheriff's Office is warning residents against a home improvement scam targeting elderly citizens in Wayne County.
A press release issued Thursday stated that several reports have been received about a scam in which a person approaches residents with what he claims are leftover supplies from a landscaping job such as extra stones or gravel.
The subject then offers the materials and to do the work at a discounted price, but only does half the job and leaves with all of the money.
In some cases, the subject has asked for money for more supplies and left without ever returning.
Attempts to contact the culprit and either demand the money back or that the job be completed have been met with threats, according to the release.
The Sheriff's office, therefore, is cautioning residents to check for contractors' licenses and to ask for references if anyone approaches offering such a deal, or any other home improvement or landscaping work.
However, law enforcement officials said, there is no active investigation into a particular occurrence of the reported scams.
Any suspicious activity should be reported, though, and in case of an emergency, call 911.