Scam Alert:

Watch Out for Concrete-stealing Scammers

SSMD is committed to giving our clients the best machine servicing and hydraulic cylinder repairs possible. But we also consider our clients to be family.

That's why we want to let you know about a growing trend of scams targeting concrete companies... scams that can do a real number on your bottom line and your reputation.

What's Going On?

Concrete companies are the ones getting hurt by this scam, but it starts with would-be customers online.

Scammers find their victims through online social media ads – mainly through Facebook. These ads lead to fishy sites claiming to sell concrete services for cheap. REAL cheap, as in $100 per yard. People jump at the deal, then the scammers show up at the customer’s house for an estimate.

The scammers collect money for, let's say, 10 yards at $100 a yard. The scammers then call a local ready-mix company and order $1,000 of concrete to pour at the customer's address. Then they provide the payment info.

The problem is that payment info comes from stolen credit cards. A bigger problem is that credit card scams usually take a few weeks to appear on the cardholder's radar. By the time the payment is refunded, the concrete has been delivered.

Your business would have to eat that cost in most cases.

What's the Damage?

The scam hasn't been affecting Alabama businesses for long, but it's still done a real number on concrete companies.

According to John Sorrell, President of the Alabama Concrete Industries Association, at least $200,000 has been stolen through this scam. That’s $200,000 out of the pockets of concrete companies, large and small.

What Can You Do?

The best thing you can do is help spread the word and double-check payments before you make delivery.

Let potential customers know that they need to be diligent when purchasing concrete. They should always deal with licensed general contractors or directly with local concrete companies instead of through social media. Remember – if it's too good to be true, it probably is.

Barring that, YOU need to make sure the person/company requesting the delivery is on the up-and-up. If the customer doesn't catch it, you have to be the one who does. Before you deliver, double-check the card number used for the purchase by reading the last four numbers back to the customer. If they don’t match, don’t deliver.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is investigating these scams, but you should still be cautious and spread the word.