Spring Is In The Air, Landscape Scam Artists Come Out Of Hibernation
By Tom Mustin
DENVER (CBS4) - Now that warmer weather is approaching, many people are trying to get an early start on their lawns. But the Better Business Bureau warns that landscaping scam artists are targeting Colorado homeowners.
"I'm angry. Very angry," said "Leslie," who didn't want to show her face after becoming the latest victim of an apparent landscaping scam. "They took our money. That's hard for me to stomach," she told CBS4's Tom Mustin.
In February, Leslie answered a flyer left at her Fort Collins home from a company called Paradise Hardscapes. The company's website boasts, "Proudly serving Colorado since 2005." A man named Christopher Daily showed up.
"They sounded very legitimate. Christopher had an answer for every question," said Leslie.
She ended up writing a check for $999 for two years of lawn maintenance service, which included mowing, fertilizing, aeration and sprinkler service.
"He said this was a one-time offer they were doing," Leslie said.
"When did you start smelling a rat?" Mustin asked.
"The minute he left my door," she replied.
What Leslie didn't know was that Christopher Daily also goes by the name of Chris Carter or Walter Pilgrim. He has at least five separate company names -- all with an "F" rating from the BBB, and a trail of angry customers.
"We've had five complaints in last two weeks against this company," said Kim States with the BBB.
States says there have been at least 22 complaints against the company over the past few months. Leslie may have gotten got off easy.
"This is a terrifying thing. We heard from one customer who put down as much as $10,000 only to not have the work performed," States said.
Leslie says the company sent workers to her home one day, and then disappeared. She called the company every day, and filed a police report. Last Friday, Daily sent her an email saying's been dealing with family issues and would send her a refund. Leslie says she'll probably never see that money, but she's learned a $999 lesson.
"Listen to your instincts. If it sounds too good to be true, it is," she said.
Paradise Hardscapes is registered to an address in Westminster the BBB says is not legitimate. They say Daily has not responded to their emails.
The BBB says before handing over money to any contractor, spend a few minutes making sure the company is legitimate. Do that by calling the BBB or checking their website.
LINK: Colorado - Better Business Bureau
Tom Mustin is CBS4's Weekend Anchor. He has been with CBS4 since 2002, and is always looking for great story ideas. Connect with Tom on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @TomCBS4.
