Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Sheriff Warns Of Scams

Beware of scam artists in Clark County.

This is the warning issued by Clark County Sheriff Troy Tucker.

It seems some scam artists have been operating in the area, with the Clark County Sheriff's Office getting involved when an elderly couple were conned out of several hundred dollars.

According to information from the CCSO, the money paid out was supposedly for repairs made to their home, though none were apparently made.

Routinely, Tucker said, those who commit this type of crime appear at a residence and tell the person there certain work needs to be done.

Normally, this involves some kind of installation. The criminal in question then acts like they are working, while others distract the homeowner to divert their attention from what is being done.

Shortly thereafter, the homeowner is told the work is done and they owe several hundred, sometimes, several thousand, dollars.

"Scam artists prey primarily on the elderly," Tucker said, "relying on a fast-talking type of confidence scheme leaving the victim feeling like they have no choice but to pay whatever amount they are presented with."

Usually scam artists travel in pairs, but, at times, have several people involved. They seem to prefer targeting homes located in more rural areas of the county and almost always operate during daylight hours, he said.

Residents are reminded if they need any work done on their homes or around their property, to know what it is and contact someone themselves to do the work.

The majority of legitimate companies, Tucker said, do not solicit work in such a manner.

He suggested getting identification from anyone who solicits work as previously described and call the CCSO.

He also said not to pay anyone who simply shows up and starts doing anything without the owner's permission.

Should it happen, he said, call the CCSO.

However, those who do pay for work done by these scam artists should know by giving them money they have entered into a contact which means the victim has accepted what was or wasn't done.

A criminal investigation could be prevented should the scam artists be paid by a homeowner.

The number for the CCSO is 870-246-2222.