Con artist pulls 'mold' scam on elderly women

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Con artist pulls 'mold' scam on elderly women

by Jo Denton

COOKEVILLE -- A con artist stole $375 from an elderly woman on E. 18th Street last week, police said.He came to her house on July 13 and "told her she had a large mold problem at her house," says a report by Cookeville Police Officer Herrick.She had not called for anyone to come to her house about any repairs, but apparently this man simply showed up and began telling her there was a mold problem and it would cost $2,400 to "repair the problem," the report says.She told the man he would have to speak to her daughter first, and a few days later, he returned and claimed to have spoken to her daughter....Scammers often prey on the elderly, showing up at their homes and claiming they will make home repairs at a later date after the victim makes a payment, police say.They take the money and do not return.