PRESS RELEASE
Officials: Beware of Property Scam Targeting Homeowners
GASTON COUNTY, N.C. – Officials in Gaston County are warning residents about a new scam targeting homeowners.
The Gaston County Building and Development Services Department has received numerous calls from property owners who received an envelope with a yellow card inside stating that there are housing and safety violations on the property. One recipient said that he received one of the cards and a few days later, he received a phone call from someone attempting to buy his home.
“All of the recipients have been elderly people, and it’s scaring them,” said Laura Hamilton, Land Use Coordinator for Gaston County. “We are hoping this is not a precursor to people physically going around after they have scared them and then trying to scam money out of them.”
The notices have a Charlotte post office postmark. However, there is no identification of who is sending them, nor is there any contact information on the card.
“All communication from our office is on letterhead, along with our contact information,” said Building and Development Services Director, Brian Sciba. “Before we would send out anything certified mail, the owner would have been in personal contact with one of our field inspectors, for something of this magnitude.”
Building and Development Services inspectors do use a doorknocker with the Gaston County seal on it for tall grass complaints and hang those tags without speaking to the property owner.
If residents receive one of these notices, officials say not to worry about it and throw it away. Those with questions can contact Hamilton at Gaston County Building and Development Services at 704-866-3090 or 704-866-3367.
###
