A Lancaster County man got quite a shock when he returned home Tuesday. The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department says his mature maple tree had been cut down and partially removed. The problem is, the man didn’t want the tree cut down.
“After reviewing the security camera footage and consulting with the local tree company that performed the work, it was discovered the tree removal request had been made by an impersonator using the name of a deceased relative,” says Chief Deputy Ben Houchin.
He says the scammer had a picture of the tree, had it circled and sent it to the to the owner of the company. “As part of the scam, the impersonator sent a check for the agreeable amount of the bid along with an extra $4,000 and asked the company of the tree company to return the $4,000 to them,” Houchin says.
“The only part that gave a hint that this could be a scam is when they sent a check for more than what was agreed upon.” Houchin says said the tree company did not send back the money and agreed to finish removing the tree at the victim’s home.
“We urge residents as well as business owners to remain vigilant and to be cautious when handling similar situations,” Houchin said. He says they have never seen a scam like this before.