GEORGETOWN, Ohio | Summer is bringing more than green grass and sunshine; it is also bringing traveling con artists to the area, said Brown County Sheriff Dwayne Wenninger.
“It is that time of year for outdoor maintenance around our homes and, unfortunately, several elderly citizens will fall victim to these scam artists,” Wenninger said.
There are a select group of individuals who will travel into the area and go door to door offering to do blacktop sealing, barn and grain bin painting, and roof repairs, he said.
“They will ask for money up front and will do a partial job and never return, or they will use inferior products that don’t last,” Wenninger said. “ We have also had reports where one person will talk to the homeowner outside of the house while another subject enters the back of the residence looking for property to steal.”
Residents should never let these people into their homes without making sure of who they are and where they are from.
“I urge everyone to use caution when hiring people to do these jobs,” Wenninger said.
Ask for a photo I.D. of the persons working at your residence and write down their information. Some of these traveling scam artists will purchase a cellphone with a local number to make it appear that they are from the area, he said.
They may also claim a neighbor recommended them by using a name off a mail box, officials said.
“There are several legitimate companies or local individuals who live in the area that can be hired to do these jobs. Please make sure whomever you hire is legitimate,” Wenninger said.
Anyone who has been approached by these traveling scam artists should contact Brown County Detective Buddy Moore at 937-378-4435 Ext. 130.