In a recent bulletin from the Wake County Sheriff's Office, community members are being warned of a new scam that's been making the rounds—a scammer imitating an NCDOT worker to dupe unsuspecting residents. The scam involves a con artist claiming to have surplus concrete from a job, coercing homeowners into paying for work that never materializes. "A scammer recently approached a homeowner with a story about having leftover concrete from a previous job and offered to come back the next day to complete the job. Once the homeowner agreed and paid the scammer, he never returned," according to a social media post from the Wake County Sheriff's Office.
In response to this incident, the Sheriff's Office has issued several tips to prevent residents from falling prey to these types of fraudulent business schemes. They recommend getting a written estimate before any works begins, verifying a business ID and a valid business license, and safeguarding personal information. Moreover, they suggest verifying the authenticity of alleged workers by contacting the agency they claim to be from, using official phone numbers—not the ones provided by the individuals on site. Due to an increase in such deceptive practices, the authorities are asking the public to be vigilant.
The Sheriff's Office advises residents that they have the right to decline services if they feel uncomfortable. The social media post states, "Don't hesitate to say no and close the door." If a situation seems suspicious, rushed, or threatening, individuals are encouraged to report the incident to local law enforcement.
