Boone County deputies investigating early landscaping scam

Boone County sheriff’s deputies are already investigating a door-to-door landscaping scam targeting the elderly.

Detective Tom O’Sullivan told ABC 17 News Wednesday investigators did not want to release the suspect’s name or the location of the scam until the investigation was further along.

“It makes us look bad,” said Mid-Mow Lawncrafters owner Dustin McLeland. “It’s terrible on our industry.”

McLeland started his Ashland-based company nine years ago. He takes scammers trying to capitalize on the growth of the industry personally.

“We started out of a small little glass change jar with $728 in it,” he said.

McLeland and his employees said they don’t know any reputable companies that would do sales door-to-door. Most landscapers also will not require payment until after the work is done and approved.

“Always make sure the job is 100 percent complete before a check or cash or anything is ever written,” he said.

Boone County investigators said Wednesday to tell any door-to-door salesperson to go away. If that person becomes aggressive, call local law enforcement.