BEL AIR, MD—The Harford County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents, particularly the elderly, about a high-pressure driveway repair scam after an incident in Darlington earlier this week. Authorities are seeking the public’s help in identifying a man accused of pressuring an elderly woman into overpriced and unwanted repairs.
According to a Facebook post by the Sheriff’s Office, on July 20, a man (pictured above) approached an elderly female resident in the 1800-block of Glen Cove Road, offering to fix cracks in her driveway. When the homeowner declined the service, the solicitor reportedly became aggressive and demanded she allow him to proceed with repairs.
“The victim was alone and nervous, and the subject continued to pressure the victim relentlessly,” the Sheriff’s Office stated. The victim reluctantly agreed to an initial cost, but after the work was completed, the man allegedly demanded significantly more money than agreed upon.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that legitimate businesses do not use such tactics. “Legitimate companies may solicit business from you unexpectedly; however, none will demand that you allow them to complete work immediately and demand payment,” the post read.
Authorities are urging anyone who recognizes the individual pictured in their Facebook post or has experienced a similar unreported incident to contact the Northern Precinct at 410-692-7880.
The Sheriff’s Office also encouraged the community to share this information with elderly family and friends, making them aware of high-pressure scams that often leave victims feeling “rushed, nervous, and fearful.” They stressed the importance of not judging victims of scams, noting that such incidents are unfortunately common and frequently target the elderly.
Finally, the Sheriff’s Office advised individuals to encourage potential victims to contact law enforcement, a trusted family member, or friend if they encounter anything suspicious.
