06/18/2026
🚨‼ IT'S BACK! THE PINE STRAW SCAM! ‼🚨
As landscaping season continues, we're seeing reports of the "Pine Straw Scam" making the rounds again. Here's how it works:
🌲 The Bait
Scammers knock on your door claiming they just finished a nearby job and have "leftover" pine straw they can sell at a deeply discounted price—sometimes advertising prices as low as $5 per bale.
🌲 The Switch
Once you agree, they immediately begin unloading or spreading the pine straw, often without clearly discussing the total cost, measuring the area, or providing anything in writing.
🌲 The Trap
When the work is complete, they present an outrageously inflated bill. They may claim they used far more bales than expected or charge by "strings" or smaller bundles, turning what appeared to be a bargain into a bill worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
🌲 The Intimidation
When homeowners question the charges, the scammers often become argumentative, aggressive, and use high-pressure tactics to demand immediate payment.
✅ Protect Yourself:
• Never agree to work from unsolicited door-to-door salespeople.
• Get a written estimate before any work begins.
• Clarify exactly how materials will be measured and priced.
• Do not allow work to start until you understand and agree to the total cost.
• If someone becomes threatening or refuses to leave your property, call law enforcement immediately.
Remember: If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Please share this post to help protect your friends, family, and neighbors from becoming victims.
