Beware of traveling con artists
Traveling con artists are in Lee County

"Travelers" arrive every spring and typically prey on elderly homeowners with door-to-door roofing, paving and other scams, intimidating consumers into paying thousands of dollars for poor quality work.

"There is absolutely no reason to let strangers in your home," said Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott.

Travelers often scope out the elderly at grocery stores, midweek, daytime hours, and then follow them home. Do not deal with anyone, male or female who arrives at your door after you have just returned home. Also, female travelers often 'soften up' the victim first by stating that their children need a drink or a bathroom.

How to recognize "Travelers":

l They peddle roofing, paving, and other repair work door-to-door.

l They drive new pick-up trucks with typically out-of-state license plates

l They prey on the elderly using friendly, but high-pressure tactics.

l They may say they have material left over from a previous job, or insist they did work for you before and need to "finish the job."

l They quote bargain prices, but demand much more after the job.

l They do poor quality work -- or little or no work at all.

To protect yourself from "Traveler" fraud:

l Don't do business with door-to-door contractors.

l Get at least three bids on work, and don't always choose the lowest.

l Insist on a written contract and don't be pressured into paying more.

For assistance call the Sheriff's Office Fraud Line at 477-1242.

CASE, Communities Against Senior Exploitation, is a partnership of the Lee County Sheriff's Office and the community to prevent elder financial exploitation.