Man Arrested for Scamming Columbia Residents

Richland County Sheriff's deputies arrested a man after he scammed several Columbia residents. 

Deputies arrested Mark Dennis Anderson, 45, on Thursday when he showed up for bond court. He has been charged with five counts of breach of trust. Anderson was appearing in court that day for some previous charges of breach of trust.

Anderson agreed to work on the roofs of several houses in Columbia area under the company name South Fork Roofing and Restoration, according to a press release. He told the residents he needed money up front for supplies and materials. After he got the money, he never showed up to complete the work. 

Anderson was arrested for receiving money from residents at these locations without completing the promised work:

• Monday, Dec. 6, 2010 - Woodbury Drive
• Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2010 - Woodbury Drive 
• Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2010 - Emerald Valley Road 
• Tuesday, March 22, 2011 – Winterpark Drive
• Wednesday, April 27, 2011 - Colony Drive 
• Sunday, July 10, 2011 - Parliament Drive 

Sheriff Leon Lott offers these tips on how to avoid being scammed when seeking assisstance on home repairs: 

• meet with the person who will be completing the work
• ask for a free estimate
• make sure the roofer gets on the roof to inspect the damage himself 
• ask for referrals and contact them
• check their credentials as well as checking with The Better Business Bureau, Labor Licensing and Regulation, and the South Carolina Secretary of State office
• make sure they are licensed 

Lott is asking anyone who thinks they were scammed by Anderson to contact the sheriff's department at 803-576-3000.