Pavers prey on Towns resident
By Becky Landress Sentinel Writer

On Thursday, April 17, three dump/paving trucks stopped at one Young Harris resident's home. The subcontracted paving crew claimed to have left over materials from a job, therefore, offering to pave the man's driveway at an unheard of bargain of $100.

The man agreed to have the men pave it for the bargain price, but when the job was finished, the crew demanded $9600. The man told the crew that he didn't have that kind of money. The home owner's father arrived while the crew was there and offered them a check for $600. While the crew and trucks were still there, the father told the group of pavers that he had called the Towns County Sheriff's Office and they were on their way. The crew became uncomfortable and demanded that the father move his vehicle and let them out. The man stated that he had rather just wait for the deputies to arrive.

The paving crew then tore the check up and tore down a fence on the man's property to get out before deputies could arrive.

According to Sheriff Clinton, the men are still being sought for questioning on the damage to the property. He also stated this is a somewhat common scam. "These scam artists come to property owners offering to do something at a very low figure, then when the job is complete, they demand a much larger figure." stated Sheriff Clinton. This group was using four different names so it is difficult to figure out who they really are. "I have heard of this type thing a lot in Gilmer, Fannin, Pickens and other related counties. It is a fairly common scam," stated the sheriff.

If residents ever have questions about a company that comes to your home offering services at a very low rate, contact the Sheriff's Office and have them find out if they are legitimate.