Consumers have reported to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) that the impersonators have been going door to door, saying they are with Pro Cuts Tree Care & Landscaping and offering tree and landscaping services at a discounted rate.
The problem is that according to Ronnie Havens, owner of Pro Cuts, he does not provide service in the Fort Wayne area.
The imitators use high-pressure sales tactics and provide estimates with the company name typed on them. Once they have sold a job, they take the consumer’s money without finishing the work. They also offer to spray chemicals, which they are not licensed to do.
It is reported that the imposters drive a plain white truck and have a meager amount of equipment. They work without safety glasses, hard hats, ID badges or business cards.
One of the so-called representatives is said to have requested $300 dollars upfront and would leave his equipment at the home as a guarantee he would return the next day. The homeowner did not have $300 dollars on her person, but the individual insisted she go to an ATM.
The consumer withdrew $200 and the “representative” began to ask where her husband was.
The BBB encourages consumers to check companies’ business profiles before hiring them for any work. To report a scam, go to BBB Scam Tracker.
