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Sheriff’s Office warns of possible paving scam


Published: 11/19/2013

For More Information Contact:

 Captain John Watterson
(845) 486-3860

Poughkeepsie…The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office reports the investigation into a possible paving/outdoor work scam that has been prevalent in the Towns of Wappinger, Fishkill, and East Fishkill over the last few weeks.

Investigation has shown that the perpetrators of this scam will show up and advertise that they can do paving and other outdoor work for a 20% discount. They will then ask for a deposit, and once the deposit is paid (usually in cash) they will do some of the work but then leave and not return to do the rest. The Sheriff’s Office is investigating a total of ten (10) cases of this, with the monetary losses ranging from a few hundred dollars up to $20,000.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to warn the residents of Dutchess County and surrounding areas to be on the lookout for this type of activity, and to be wary of people showing up unannounced to do work. The Sheriff’s Office would also like people to watch out for the following vehicle and individuals in connection with this investigation:

  • A 2004 Chevrolet Silverado pickup, color white, bearing NY registration 65592MD on a gold plate. The truck may also have a sign on it which references a 20% discount for outdoor work.
     
  • 2-3 white males, at least one of which has a heavy Irish accent.

If anyone sees the above vehicle and/or individuals or thinks that they may have been a victim of this activity they are urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 845-486-3800, or via the tipline at 845-605-CLUE or dcsotips@gmail.com (attention Detective Gerardi). All tips will be kept confidential. The Sheriff’s Office also offers the following pieces of advice for avoiding these types of potential scams:

  • Be wary of people you don’t know showing up at your house to do unannounced work.
     
  • Ask for identification to know who exactly you’re dealing with.
     
  • Get a written estimate and a written contract.
     
  • Be wary of handwritten contracts on paper with no letterhead or business name.
     
  • Don’t give cash as a deposit/down payment.
     
  • Don’t let anyone that you don’t know inside your house.

If you have any doubt about the people at your house to do work, or the legitimacy of the work, please contact the Sheriff’s Office immediately. More information may be released as it becomes available.