PAGE 12 - December 23, 2009
The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
Travelers Looking for Victims
in Citrus County
From the Citrus County Sheriff Dept.
Sheriff’s Office detectives have received their first call from citizens asking about
the legitimacy of asphalt pavers making the rounds in the region.
Criminals known as “travelers” roam the nation much of the year, posing as painters,
roofers, sealers, tree trimmers and pavers. Their world, according to law enforcement offi-
cials who’ve studied them for years, is deliberately isolated and highly secretive. During the
winter months, they typically will travel to warmer climates. Travelers enter neighborhoods
and often target the elderly to victimize.
Travelers’ various home improvement contractor scams may seem pretty innocent at
first. You’re doing chores around the house on a lazy Saturday afternoon when your doorbell
rings. You answer to find a presentable-looking worker standing at your door. He tells you
he’s noticed that your driveway is cracked, or your shingles need replacing, or your home
could use some paint. He might say that he’s new to the area or just passing through the
neighborhood on the way home from a job. He wants to know if you’re interested in low-
cost home improvement services. Don’t be fooled, however, because you’re talking with a
traveler.
The travelers who frequent this area the most are pavers. These flimflam artists will do
their very best to sell you asphalt paving work. What they end up charging can be signifi-
Kids in Inverness, frolicking in a snowstorm the night of December 19, 2009. Snowstorms
cantly higher than what a local contractor would charge for the same job.
should be politically correct and not leave kids out just because they live 1000 miles south of
There are several ways in which travelers will try to convince their victims that it isn’t
other kids also playing in the record breaking snowstorm of Dec. 19th, 2009. This snow might
a scam. They might give the names of a few of your neighbors and say that they’ve done
be a little foamy, but hey, fun is fun! Photo by Mike Moore
work for them before. They also might tell you that they’re “booked solid until March”, but
that they’d be happy to put you on the waiting list for a small deposit. Whatever the line
Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm & Saturday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
(352)447-2611
or lie, travelers are working a contractor scam, and you should shut the door immediately.
Reputable home improvement contractors typically don’t go door-to-door looking for work.
Usually, you can expose a contractor scam by requesting printed materials. Travelers won’t
BuddyandFreds.com
have any – typically they won’t even carry a business card – because they really don’t want
to work on your house. They just want you to agree to their services, and hopefully pay for
46 U.S. Hwy. 19 Food Ranch Plaza Inglis, Florida
the job in advance. If they do come back to do the work, it will probably be with substandard
BBQ Accessories & Grills • Kitchen Gear • Bath • Electric Fireplaces • Gifts & More
materials. They won’t have a clue about how to do the job properly, and you’ll end up with
a sizable hole in your bank balance.
How can citizens fight back? Before you ever hire contractors off the street, make certain
that you check their credentials first. Do they have a state license? Do they have insurance?
Ask to see these documents, as well as references from past jobs. Check to see if the license
All
LodgeWare
is current or if any complaints have been filed against these individuals by calling the Citrus
Wind Chimes
Over 30
County Building Division at 527-5310. Always get a quote for the job in writing, and then
compare it with quotes from other contractors. And don’t be pressured into paying cash
Selections
Buy 2
up front. Citizens who have concerns about a possible scam can always call the Sheriff’s
Specially Priced
&
Office at 352-726-4488 and ask to speak with someone in the community affairs section.
They’re trained professionals who can identify potential scams and frauds involving home
Including
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The students in Mrs Yaws’ and Mrs Watson’s kindergarten class were excited Wednesday when
Santa stopped by their class for a visit. Be aware that school does not start up again until
Look for an Upcoming SURPRISE in 2010...
January 4th. Photo by Sally Price
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