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Landscaper With Similar Name To Scam Artist Getting Death Threats

By Tom Mustin

GREELEY, Colo. (CBS4) - A bogus landscaping company is causing some major headaches for a legitimate company with a similar name.

Landscaper Rob Scarzello is not happy.

"About three weeks ago we were like, 'Something weird is going on,'" he told CBS4's Tom Mustin.

Scarzello has owned Paradise Landscape Management in Greeley since 1997. His two sons are among his 10 employees. His rainbow logo can be seen on job sites across the city.

"You've got to take care of your customers," he said.

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Recently the Better Business Bureau sent a warning about a company called Paradise Hardscapes out of Broomfield. The company's owner, Christopher Dailey, has several aliases and has scammed customers out of thousands of dollars. Angry customers, confused by the similarity in name and location, started to call Scarzello.

"People were calling me very upset (saying) we're not showing up for work, taking money and not returning phone calls," Scarzello said.

The confusion came to a head when a man threatened Scarzello's life over the phone.

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CBS4's Tom Mustin landscaper Rob Scarzello (credit: CBS)

"Every other word out of his mouth was an 'F' bomb. I was trying to calm him down. He didn't want any part of it -- just wanted his money. He told me he Googled me, knew where my address was and was on his way."

Scarzello called the sheriff's office, who calmed the man down.

Scarzello says he's spent 20 years building up a great reputation in Greeley. Referrrals are his life blood. He's worried Paradise Hardscapes may have caused irreparable damage to his company.

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"It takes years to establish trust with people, your customers. It takes minutes and seconds to destroy it."

Scarzello is hoping his bogus competitor hasn't snuffed out the rainbow in his Paradise.

"I don't get it with him because you don't treat customers that way."

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The BBB has made a note on their page that Paradise Hardscapes and Paradise Landscape Management are two separate companies. They also say before giving money to any contractor, do homework and check out the company.

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.

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