Police warn of “pine straw scam” in Tennessee

SPRING HILL, Tenn. (WSMV) – Police are warning the public about an ongoing pine needle scam in Spring Hill.

According to police, a citizen contacted officers on June 22 because a group of people came to his house and offered to spread pine needles in his flowerbed.

The parties agreed on $6 per bale, which was about $50. After they lay down, the customer was told the price was now $1,000. The customer eventually paid $500 and they left, police said.

“The vehicle the workers were driving had a temporary Georgia license plate. This appears to have been a common scam in Georgia for several years, and the workers may now be going to other states,” SPD explained. “The company may be claiming it has ‘leftover’ straw at a ‘discounted’ price.”

Police add that businesses going door-to-door must obtain a permit from City Hall.

“You will be subject to a background check by the police before City Hall issues a permit,” police said. “Before accepting services from a door-to-door business, please make sure it has the appropriate permit from the city. This type of business wants you to make a split-second decision. Please take the time to thoroughly research the business name before entering into any type of agreement.”

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