Sheriff's Department Warns Against 'Traveler' Scams

The Livingston County Sheriff's Department is reminding county residents to be careful when dealing with people offering solitation services and warning against potential scam situatuions.

On May 6, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department received a complaint from an elderly Putnam resident of a fraudulent driveway seal coating company operating in the area.

The woman told police that a man had approached offering to seal her driveway for $9,400 and also offered her a warrenty and told her he would start immediately, according to a press release from the sheriff's department.

Police say the driveway was coated with a thin black substance inconsistent with seal coat material which didn't seal any driveway cracks. And after seeing the completed job, the woman told police she attempted to stop payment on her check, but the suspect had already cashed it.

Police say the suspect gave the name of Jimmy Carroll and drove a newer model four door red pickup truck with a yellow top light on the truck. He spoke with a southern accent and police say he said he was from South Carolina.

Police say the suspect was accompanied by a second individual in a white pickup truck, which had a sprayer unit in the back.

According to the press release, common solicitation scams include:

• Driveway seal coating
• Concrete work
• Asphalt work
• Barn painting

In these incidents, the suspect will often be prepared to begin the “work” immediately and will have materials present, according to the press release. Police say that problem is these materials are often substandard quality and in many cases are not even what was promised.

Police also warn resident to be cautious of people entering your home as they can "become assaultive when confronted."

Police tips to protect yourself include: 

• If you become uncomfortable with the situation call 911. 
• Research the price quoted for the job and find out if it is reasonable. 
• Ask for business license information as well as personal identification of the person(s) present. Write down that information. Write down license plate numbers from vehicles if you can do so without placing yourself at risk. Most of these individuals will not provide you with a business card or if they do the information on it will be bogus. Many will also have bogus business license information. They will also tend to park in a manner that makes it difficult for you to observe their vehicles registration plate. 
• Never indicate that you have cash at your residence. Often a request for cash payment can be a ruse to determine whether or not you do keep cash at the house. 
• Ask for local references which you can verify, and follow up by verifying those references before authorizing any work. 
• Do not allow persons inside your home for any reason, and be careful not to be drawn outside or to become distracted. 
• Do not allow yourself to be pressured by sales techniques such as one time now or never deals.