Sheriff warns of con artists

Sheriff Bill Blanton is warning area residents that traveling con artists may once again be back in town.

A seasonal occurrence, Blanton said the traveling group has been targeting Cherokee County each spring, showing up at homes and trying to sell unsolicited services such as house painting, roof work and driveway repairs.

"We think they're in this area now," Blanton said. "We need to have people be on the lookout."

The con artists' hook is a lowball bid to do work, and a greatly inflated price once the work is done. Blanton said homeowners sometimes pay the inflated price out of fear. Seniors are often the targets.

Homeowners who receive unsolicited offers are advised to call police.

"Just tell them no, I'm not interested, and call 911," Blanton said.

The roving band often travels in several different vehicles, often with Texas, Florida and Georgia license plates, Blanton said.