Sheriff’s Office warns of traveling scammers with new, unconventional schemes

CANDLER COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - The Candler County Sheriff’s Office is warning the community to be on the lookout for “traveling scammers who move across the country looking for opportunities.”

The two scams the Sheriff’s Office says they are seeing right now are “asphalt paving scams” and “pine straw scams.”

In an asphalt paving scam, “Individuals may approach you claiming they just finished a job nearby and have ‘extra asphalt’ they can sell you at a discount.

In pine straw scams, people may offer “pine straw installation at a bargain, often pressuring homeowners into quick decisions.”

These scams are designed to take your money without delivering what was promised, according to the Candler County Sheriff’s Office.

They often target elderly residents and neighborhoods where they think people will be trusting.

The Sheriff’s Office says:

• Do not engage with these individuals.
• Never agree to work on the spot without checking references.
• If you are approached or see suspicious activity, contact the Candler County Sheriff’s Office immediately.

"We have already had two residents report these scams here in Candler County‚" the Sheriff’s Office says. "Please stay alert, look out for your neighbors, and help us spread the word so no one falls victim."