POLK COUNTY, Fla.,None — A Lake County tip launched a Polk County undercover operation that detectives said caught five gypsies who were targeting elderly victims.
The suspects each tried to charge an elderly woman working with deputies hundreds of dollars for roof repairs that she didn't need.
The suspects are now facing charges ranging from exploiting the elderly to grand theft.
Deputies said that these suspects rode through neighborhoods in business trucks hoping to be flagged down by residents so they could give residents estimates on roof work they never intended to do
The Polk County Sheriff's Office released undercover video to WFTV. Investigators said the suspect in the video is 25-year-old Alexander Parker. But, he told the 67-year-old whose face is being hidden that his name is Charles.
Investigators said that's not the only lie he told to sell unnecessary roof repairs to a senior citizen he didn't know was working for the sheriff's office: he also claimed he was insured to do the work.
Not only was there no insurance, investigators said Parker had no contractors license to complete the $600 in work he said was needed on the roof.
"We had a licensed professional roofer do a complete inspection of our undercover house, said the roof was in perfect condition and needed no work at all," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said.
That didn't stop the five suspected traveling scam artists from making quotes of up to $975 for repairs at the house between Wednesday and Friday.
"Many of them have already fled this area like cockroaches when you turn on the lights. So, they're going to settle in some other part of the state," Judd said.
The sheriff's advice is find a local contractor to do any work you need done, verify their Florida contractor's license online and make sure you're dealing with a reputable company.
"I detest a thief, but I really detest someone who takes advantage of the elderly," Judd said.
Judd said this wouldn't be the last sting operation of this kind in Polk County.
WFTV
