In Poway, California, a 79-year-old Navy veteran, Robert Guillot, is speaking out after falling victim to a landscaping scam that cost him $15,000. Guillot, who takes immense pride in his yard, was approached by a crew offering landscaping services at what seemed like a reasonable rate. The experience quickly turned into a financial nightmare, highlighting a growing issue in the community where seniors are targeted by local scammers.
How the Scam Unfolded
The ordeal began when Guillot answered his door to a man claiming to be part of a landscaping crew working in the neighborhood. The offer was to apply mulch to his yard at $10 per bag, which initially appeared to be a modest expense for around 40 bags. However, the situation escalated rapidly. Within minutes of agreeing, three additional trucks arrived, and a team hastily began covering his yard with mulch.
Guillot was soon asked to stay inside, supposedly to keep out of the way. Shortly after, he was shocked to receive an invoice for $19,000, amounting to 1,900 bags of mulch—an absurd quantity that Guillot had not authorized. When he protested, the landscapers became aggressive, confronting him and insisting on payment. Under pressure and fearing for his safety and that of his wife, Guillot negotiated the amount down to $15,000 and reluctantly wrote two checks of $7,500 each to different individuals as directed.
Community Response and Actions Taken
After the incident, Guillot took to Nextdoor to share his story and quickly learned that other local residents had encountered similar fraudulent pitches. The scam appears to be widespread, with numerous seniors in the area reporting visits from individuals offering the same mulch service under dubious circumstances.
Determined to prevent others from falling prey to similar scams, Guillot reported the incident to the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, the San Diego District Attorney’s office, and the state’s Contractors License Board. His proactive stance is a crucial reminder of the importance of community vigilance and legal action in combating local fraud.
Authorities’ Advice to Seniors
The response from the District Attorney’s office underscores the severity of the situation, emphasizing the need for seniors to report any instances of elder abuse or suspicious business practices. The DA’s Consumer Protection Unit encourages those affected by fraudulent activities to reach out for help and advises residents to be cautious when dealing with door-to-door offers. They stress the importance of verifying the credibility of any contractor through references or by obtaining multiple estimates before agreeing to any services.
Lessons Learned and Prevention Tips
Guillot’s unfortunate experience serves as an important lesson for all, especially seniors, about the risks of unsolicited home service offers. Here are some tips to help protect yourself from similar scams:
- Verify the Credibility: Always check the background of any contractor or service provider before hiring them. This can include looking up reviews online, checking with the Better Business Bureau, or verifying their license on state websites like the California Contractor’s State Licensing Bureau.
- Avoid Rushed Decisions: Be wary of contractors who pressure you to make quick decisions or who demand upfront payment.
- Get Multiple Estimates: If you’re considering a home improvement project, get estimates from several contractors to ensure you are getting a fair price.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter any form of high-pressure sales tactics or suspect a scam, report it to local authorities and share your experience with neighbors and community forums to raise awareness.
As Guillot bravely shares his story, his hope is that it will arm others with the knowledge and caution needed to ward off similar scams, ensuring that his loss becomes a lesson for the wider community. By staying informed and vigilant, homeowners can protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to these exploitative schemes.
