Community Alert: Beware of Pine Straw Scams
Dear Residents of Waterside Estates,
As spring emerges, unfortunately, so does "Pine Straw Scamming Season"!
Here's the scoop:
There are reports of individuals posing as legitimate landscapers, offering to
enhance your yard with fresh pine straw. However, once the work is done, they present you with an exorbitant bill—often 8 to 10 times the standard rate. These scammers don't stop there; they resort to intimidation tactics to pressure residents into quick payment. Last summer, a family in our neighborhood was hit with a bill totaling $8,250 for a service typically costing around $600.
To compound the issue, last year's scammers had a criminal history, with multiple breaking and entry charges and were currently wanted for arrest in Alabama. While they may seem friendly initially, make no mistake—this is all part of their scheme to defraud unsuspecting homeowners.
In response to these incidents, we urge everyone to be cautious and vigilant. If you require landscaping services, please contact our trusted landscaper at Waterside Estates by calling Azer Property Services at: 470.422.6018. Alternatively, consider reaching out to a reputable company you know and trust..
If you encounter any suspicious activity, do not hesitate to call 911 and request a police car to patrol the neighborhood. The authorities typically respond within minutes, and had our uninvited guests removed from the neighborhood immediately. Your help is crucial in maintaining the safety and security of our community, and we thank you for it.
If you've been approached by someone engaging in suspicious behavior, please call 911 first, and then let us know so we can get the word out.
Stay informed, stay safe.
Sincerely,
[Your HOA Board]
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