A Florida lady says somebody randomly stole her driveway, and he or she’s making an attempt to determine who’s behind the act.
Amanda Brochu advised WSVN that her concrete driveway was ripped from the bottom outdoors her Orlando residence in December, leaving her appalled. It got here after she positioned her residence in the marketplace and determined to revamp her roof and do different upgrades on the property.
Unbeknownst to Brochu, about 5 odd contractors appeared at her residence inside just a few days to measure her driveway. One in all them claimed {that a} man named Andre, who lives in Tampa, inquired concerning the worth of a substitute, in accordance with the report.
The person apparently gave the contractor Brochu’s handle and recognized himself as the owner, WFTV reported. Andrew was given a $7,200 worth, which he agreed to pay, textual content messages obtained by the outlet present.
Nonetheless, Andre ghosted the contractors after they requested for the cash and proof that he was the home-owner. Brochu determined to succeed in out to authorities, who’re nonetheless investigating the case.
“After the cops spoke to them, they referred to as me again, and so they mentioned that he mentioned it was a mistake; he simply received the handle flawed; nothing else will occur once more,” Brochu advised WSVN.
To her shock, her driveway was nonetheless taken per week later whereas she was out of city. Her realtor, Rocki Sanchez, says the entire state of affairs is weird, per WFTV.
“I used to be in unbelievable, like, utter shock,” Sanchez added. “I’ve by no means seen this earlier than. I’ve by no means had this occur to myself or anybody in our workplace.”
When Sanchez posted what occurred in a Fb group, different actual property brokers shared tales about comparable scams. Talking to WFTV, a contractor mentioned that not solely are householders focused by scammers, but additionally individuals in his subject who’re inexperienced.
In response to the report, the scammers often discover a home listed on the market on-line, contact contractors about exterior work, and comply with their asking worth. When the scammer sends a examine by way of mail, they may ship greater than the unique worth to be refunded the extra cash.
“As an alternative of being $20,000, there’ll be $22,000,” Jeff advised the information station. “Then, they’ll get a name from the supposed home-owner saying, ‘Oh my gosh, there was a mistake.”
The scammer would obtain the additional funds from the contractor, and the unique examine would bounce, per the outlet.
Brochu created a GoFundMe and raised over $13,000 to assist her get a brand new driveway. Nonetheless, a radio sponsor agreed to pay for her substitute. Now, she’s donating the cash to native organizations.
