Landscapers Targeted In Scam, Warns Norwalk Police

NORWALK, CT — The Norwalk Detective Bureau is investigating a fraud scheme being perpetrated against area landscapers, according to officials.

The scam has been run on an undisclosed number of area landscaping companies recently, and in most cases the suspects have focused on houses that are for sale.

"The suspect contacts a landscape company and requests services," wrote Norwalk police in a statement describing the scam. "The suspect agrees to pay for services but also asks if he can pay additional money. The suspect then requests that the landscaper pay the additional funds to a subcontractor (plumber, electrician) who will also be doing work at the location. Ultimately, the landscaper pays the alleged subcontractor but then discovers the check or credit card are fraudulent. The landscaper loses his money and never gets paid for the services rendered."

Landscapers are being warned to be aware of the scam, and to meet with their customers face to face prior to starting work. "Do not accept work by text message only."

Anyone with any information on such scams is asked to contact the Norwalk Police Detective Bureau at 203-854-3011. Additionally, anonymous tips can be left through any of the following methods:

• Norwalk Police Tip Line at 203-854-3111
• Anonymous Internet tips can be sent to Norwalk Police website at: www.norwalkpd.com
• Anonymous text tips can be submitted by typing "NPD" into the text field, followed by the message, and sending it to CRIMES (274637)

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