this post was submitted on 30 Dec 2023
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[–] Aatube@kbin.social 106 points 10 months ago (2 children)

What the scammer wanted to steal was not the driveway; they wanted to steal the contractor (driveway replacement worker)'s money. They pretend to be the owner looking for a driveway replacement, "accidentally" pay too much, ask for the surplus money back, and then do a chargeback on everything they paid. In this case the contractor went ahead before realizing they've been scammed. Experienced contractors ask for an in-person meeting or proof of ownership.

Source: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/why-does-someone-steal-driveway-contractor-explains-how-scam-works/LVEJBTGRLRGQFEMW5AY6W7BOUY/ (the original source of this video)

As for the contractor who did the digging, few solid leads have emerged. When deputies called the scammer and asked him for the contractor’s phone number, he helpfully provided one – that belonged to the Orlando International Airport.

[–] khannie@lemmy.world 16 points 10 months ago

That's messed up. So elaborate too. :(

[–] intensely_human@lemm.ee 3 points 10 months ago

That seems to be a common thread in some scams: overpay, then enact the scam somehow during correction of that overpayment