08/26/2026
⚠️ Pine Straw Scam ⚠️
We have recently been informed that this scam is being used in Belmont. We have seen similar scams in the past, but want to remind residents how to avoid becoming a victim.
How the Scam Unfolds
A crew drives through a residential area in an unmarked pickup truck or box trailer loaded with pine straw bales. They knock on a door and pitch a low price—often $4 to $6 per bale installed—offering to freshen up garden beds on the spot.
Once the homeowner agrees verbally, the crew works rapidly, unrolling pine straw across flower beds, lawns, and tree bases. The scam relies on three key tactics:
Massive Overcounting: The crew claims to have installed far more bales than actually used (e.g., claiming 120 bales for a yard that requires 20).
Phantom Fluffing: Workers shake out a few bales excessively to make a thin layer look like dozens of bales were spread.
Aggressive Demands: Upon completion, the worker demands payment in cash or via mobile peer-to-peer apps (Zelle, Venmo), quoting a bill of $800 to $1,500+ for a small project. If challenged, they become hostile or intimidating.
Prevention & Red Flags 🚩🚩
Protecting yourself and your property requires recognizing high-risk door-to-door sales tactics before any work begins:
Never Agree Without a Written Quote: Require a signed estimate detailing the maximum total cost and exact bale count before anyone steps onto the property.
Watch for Unmarked Vehicles: Legitimate contractors use company-branded vehicles, display local business licenses, and rarely go door-to-door soliciting immediate cash jobs.
Count Bales Yourself: If hiring a service, count the unspread bales on the truck before installation starts.
Decline "Leftover Material" Pitches: A classic pitch is claiming they have "extra straw from a nearby job" that they need to unload quickly at a discount.
Pay via Traceable Methods: Never pay cash upfront or under pressure. Use credit cards or checks written to a business entity rather than an individual.
If an aggressive crew refuses to leave or demands cash under threat, do not engage—go inside, lock the doors, and call us at 704-825-3792.
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