SUMTER, S.C. — Sumter Police are warning residents to be on alert after receiving several reports of scammers using pine straw sales as a ploy to target senior citizens.

Investigators said two men have been approaching homes, offering to sell and spread pine straw without disclosing the price upfront. After completing the work, the men reportedly demanded anywhere from $1,000 to more than $7,000 and, in some cases, used victims’ debit or credit card information for fraudulent charges.

Officers say they believe older residents are the primary targets of this scheme, which has been reported across the region.

Police are urging residents to be cautious of unsolicited offers for yard or home services and to never provide personal or banking information.

“Scammers often pressure their victi

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