Putnam County sheriff issues scam warning

3/19/2004

OTTAWA, Ohio - Responding to an incident last week, the Putnam County sheriff's office is warning residents to be on guard against scam artists who charge for unnecessary home repairs.

heriff James Beutler said an elderly woman who lives near Columbus Grove was bilked of $2,800 by a man who came to her door and told her he had to change an electrical wire on her property.

The man took a check from the woman and cashed it at a bank in Columbus Grove.

The sheriff said homeowners should not pay for any work they haven't requested themselves and should ask for identification and references from any handymen who call or stop at their door.