Rice County Sheriff Warns Residents About Scammers

Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn issued a news release Tuesday alerting residents to the possibility of scammers working in the area.

I saw the sheriff at the Rice County Board of Commissioners meeting and after the meeting he told me what prompted the warning. To the best of his knowledge, no one had been scammed yet in Rice County. He received a call from the LeSueur County Sheriff's Office that people had been approached in the Waterville area.

Dunn said he called the Blue Earth and Nicollet County Sheriff's Departments and learned they also had experienced such activity. He wanted to be proactive and let Rice County residents know they are probably headed this way.

Dunn said, "We don't want to see anybody get victimized by these people."

The scammers came into the Waterville area offering to paint or blacktop the properties. The Rice County Sheriff said they collect money up front, use minimal amounts of product and leave before finishing. He added they use high pressure tactics hoping the victims give in and fall for the scam.

Dunn advised, "If you encounter these individuals, ask them to leave your property. If they refuse, contact your local law enforcement agency." He recommended hiring only locally owned businesses. Never give money up front and always get a written agreement.

The sheriff asked the residents of Rice County to alert their neighbors and friends about the scam also.