Sumter Police warn residents about pine straw scam

Image: Sumter Police Department

LEXINGTON, S.C. (WOLO)– Sumter Police are warning residents about a scam after receiving multiple reports of two men selling pine straw, said officers.

The police department said officers received multiple reports of two men selling pine straw at an undisclosed price, then charging thousands of dollars.

Additionally, officers said the two men are allegedly obtaining their victims’ debit/credit card information for fraudulent use later.

Officers said senior adults appear to be the primary targets of the men, who have been traveling throughout the region and using pine straw sales as a ploy.

After completing the delivery and spreading the straw, the men have requested anywhere from $1,000 to more than $7,000 for the work to be paid using a financial transaction card.

Officers warn that scammers will often seek work unsolicited and try to gain trust and/or pressure their victims into making a decision.

To protect yourself:

◼ Request identification, business license credentials, references, etc. –
information that can be verified through a reputable source.

◼ Request estimates and never make a partial or full payment before the work
is completed.

◼ Never provide personal information, such as a social security number, or
give your debit/credit card, banking account or other information used to
make financial transactions.

◼ Trust your gut. Report random solicitations or suspicious activity to law
enforcement.

These incidents remain under investigation by the Sumter Police Department.

If you or someone you know might have been approached regarding pine straw or other potential scam, call Sumter PD at 803-436-2700 or the nearest law enforcement agency immediately.