Sheriff Warns of Possible Scam

Print

Published on December 21 2015 8:58 am
Last Updated on December 21 2015 10:41 am
Written by Greg Sapp

The Effingham County Sheriff's Department is advising the public of a possible scam that has recently surfaced around Lake Sara and in other parts of the county.

Sheriff Dave Mahon said he has been contacted by a local contractor who advised him that subjects are approaching local residents offering to sell them a load of asphalt for their driveways. The subjects state the asphalt is left over from a road job in the immediate area and it is at a reduced price. The contractor further stated that the material being sold is not true asphalt and is an inferior product. He is uncertain where it is coming from, but knows there are no asphalt jobs around our area.

The sheriff would like to go on record that he is advocating against, or endorsing, one product over another. "I just want to protect the interests of the residents of Effingham County. We all work hard for our money and I feel it is my duty, as your sheriff, to pass on any information I have that may negatively impact the citizens I serve."

Sheriff Mahon noted that a negotiated agreement between two private parties is a civil matter. If you agree to pay a certain price for a certain item, it is not a law enforcement issue if you paid too much. He said, "Although we live in a great community, please know that there are people out there willing to take advantage of others if they can."

If you have any questions, phone the Effingham County Sheriff's Department at 217-342-2101.