Homeowner Out $500 After Falling For Tree Trimming Scam

DENVER (CBS4) - Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey has issued a scam warning after a homeowner was duped out of $500 by a person saying her trees needed to be trimmed.

According to the district attorney's office, the victim was home alone when a man came to the door and told the homeowner she faced a fine unless her trees were trimmed.

"The suspect said he required $500 in cash but the victim had only a check, which the suspect accepted. The suspect immediately went to the closest branch bank and cashed the check," the district attorney's office said in a statement. "The victim is out $500 and her trees remain untrimmed."

It's recommended not to let anyone, even if they look "official," to work on your home.

"Leave the person locked out of your home and call the company directly to inquire about the issue."