Walton Sheriff’s Office warns of alleged pine straw scam

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. – The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is warning Walton residents of an alleged scam by individuals who are selling pine straw door-to-door.

“It’s a scam that spreads in the peak of summer,” the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) said in a statement.

“Pine straw swindlers are out and about, overcharging and under-delivering by using high-pressure tactics to deceive unsuspecting victims,” the agency warned.

According to the WCSO, it is experiencing a rise in reports where homeowners have paid hundreds of dollars to “aggressive and intimidating” suspects offering cut-rate prices for the delivery and distribution of pine straw.

Once the crew arrives, the WCSO said they inflate the number of bales they claim to have put down, sometimes doubling the true number.

“The result: a homeowner winds up spending far more than what legitimate pine straw dealers would charge,” the WCSO said.

According to the WCSO, a resident In the Gulf Pines neighborhood reportedly observed a red truck in the neighborhood driving slowly. When the individual approached the driver, the driver said he was going door-to-door selling and replacing pine straw.

The resident asked for his name and business card, but the subject reportedly said he did not have a business card and was hesitant to provide his name. He finally provided the name Chris, the WCSO said.

A short time late, the resident reportedly observed the truck a second time and requested the driver’s name and phone number. The subject allegedly then gave a different name, the WCSO said.

“Buyer beware,” the WCSO advises.

“Our advice is to only use companies and service providers you trust. If you feel like you are being intimidated or pressured, call us at (850)-892-8111, so we can come out and mediate,” the agency said.

“Use a business that operates by appointment only, and that will send you an invoice before payment,” the WCSO suggested.