Fraud - Illicit Pine Straw Sales

We have recently received several reports of individuals going door to door in the Lake Oconee area of the county offering to sell and put out pine straw at residences.  They reportedly put out only a small amount of straw then demand and excessive amount of money upon completion of the job.  There also seems to be a pattern where they are targeting elderly people.

The incident reported yesterday involved 3 black males who were in a white colored truck pulling a trailer with pine straw.

People who sell pine straw in Putnam County are required to have an Occupational Registration (aka: business license) issued by the county.  If they don't have documentation from the county to this effect, they are violating the ordinances of the county and are subject to be cited and prosecuted.  Please call our office if you are approached by anyone attempting to sell you pine straw in this manner.

Howard R. Sills, Sheriff

Putnam County

Eatonton, GA  31024-3637

(706)485-8557