03/26/2025
SCAM:
This is an FYI post and hopefully everyone here knows this already.
If you have any work done on your home, landscaping, tree work, literally anything. If you contract with an individual / company and there are materials to be purchased you could be scammed. If the price seems too good to be true then it is.
For example. A homeowner contracted with a landscaper for a retaining wall, the homeowner gave the landscaper a deposit. The landscaper ordered the materials from a supplier. The supply company delivered the materials. The landscaper installed the retaining wall, got paid and everyone is happy right? Nope, the landscaper didn't actually pay for the materials (Bad check / Stolen credit card, etc). The company that sold the materials tries to go after the landscaper but he can't be found / reached. The company has no recourse but to go to the homeowner for the unpaid materials. The homeowner says he paid for them by paying the landscaper but the materials were not paid for. The company that sold the materials can and usually will put a lien on YOUR house. The homeowner tries to contact the landscaper but he can't be found. The material was delivered to YOUR house and you are responsible. You unknowing took possession of what are now stolen goods (Theft by deception). It is your property and you are responsible. You have been scammed as you paid the landscaper for the materials but they were "stolen" and now you have a lien on your property and basically have to pay for them twice plus the costs the company incurred getting the lien.
You got scammed, that great deal you got on the retaining wall, sod, truck load of gravel wasn't such a good deal after all.
Avoid this by using brick and mortar companies, Making sure that you get a document from the landscaper / contractor stating all materials are paid in full OR better yet, pay for the materials yourself. AND the #1 way to avoid scams, Don't buy stuff off Facebook Marketplace.
GA Code § 44-14-361
