Beware of Scam Announcement Dec. 3, 2018.

For years, Parker County residents have been warned about “Gypsy Pavers.”

These are scam artists who go door-to-door, soliciting gravel or asphalt materials and work on private driveways for a reduced cost due to “leftover materials from a previous job.”

The scammers are known for spreading a thin layer of gravel or asphalt which looks nice to the untrained victim’s eye. Yet after the first rainfall, under the Texas sun or under limited use, the “new” driveway cracks and creates larger, more costly problems than what the homeowner initially started with.

Over the last several weeks, several Parker County residents have reported that they fell victim to this type of fraudulent activity.

Parker County Precinct #3 Commissioner Larry Walden has heard of four recent cases involving elderly victims. The fraudulent pavers leave the area, headed to another area to commit additional scams before the victims can report the incidents.

Walden said the pavers usually have new trucks, and have recently added a new edge to convince victims their scams are legitimate.

“A few victims have told us the pavers are now claiming to be county precinct workers,” Walden said.

Although at least four victims have been targeted recently in the Brock area, Walden said it does not stop them from hitting all areas of the county.

“They usually claim they have material left over from a county job after they miscalculated what materials were needed, and they claim they will pave a new driveway for half price,” Walden said of the scammers.

Walden wants all county residents to be cautious of these types of scams and for elderly residents to be aware.

“If you have elderly family members or neighbors, please keep them informed about these types of thieves, and what flags to look for,” Walden said. “Many victims may be apprehensive about reporting the incident, afraid to admit they have been victimized. But, we want them to know how to spot these criminals. Our county workers are not allowed to work on private driveways. We will never sell materials to the public or approach a residence door-to-door soliciting any kind of work, materials or service.”

Walden added one victim near the Cool-Junction area recently reported the Gypsy Pavers claimed they had left over gravel, asking for permission to dump it in the homeowners ditch. The homeowner agreed and the “Gypsy Pavers” used a skid steer to spread the gravel, then approached the victim seeking $1,500 payment for their ‘labor’ and ‘materials.’

“This creates a big problem and costs tax payers dollars to fix the roads and ditches they have ruined,” Walden said. “This man was smart enough to report the incident to me before he lost any money.”

Sheriff Larry Fowler said anyone who encounters any solicitors they believe to be a scam to report the incident to the Parker County Sheriff’s Office at (817) 594-8845.