01/29/2026
I know this is Alabama however they have hit our area multiple times taking advantage of people and have stolen pine straw from us. If you need recommendations on a local honest company call me at 678-521-0049. Remember if it is to good to be true then it probably is a scam! Go to Facebook and search pine straw scam. There you can scroll and see pictures and multiple stories of people getting scammed by these losers. Don’t be a victim!
The PINE STRAW SCAM is a common door-to-door fraud scheme reported across Alabama, particularly in suburban and residential areas like Lake Martin where homeowners might want yard landscaping.
How the Scam Typically Works
Scammers (often groups of men, sometimes from out-of-state like Georgia) drive around neighborhoods in trucks pulling trailers loaded with pine straw bales. They knock on doors and offer to spread pine straw at an attractive low initial price, such as:
• $4–$8 per bale/roll
• Or claiming they have “leftover” material from a nearby job and can do it cheap/quickly.
They often target elderly residents or those in nicer looking homes, using friendly tactics at first.
Once the homeowner agrees and the crew starts (or finishes) spreading the straw:
• They dramatically overstate the amount used (e.g., claiming 70+ bales/rolls when far fewer were actually applied).
• They present a final bill for hundreds or thousands of dollars (reports range from $1,000+ to $5,000+ in some cases).
• They refuse to provide a total upfront, no written contract, no invoice, no business name/license.
• If the victim protests, the scammers become aggressive, argumentative, loud, intimidating, or threatening to pressure payment (often via check, cash, or apps).
• They lack proper licensing in Alabama/local areas.
The work might get done (providing some straw), but the overcharge is the fraud, exploiting people who feel pressured or don’t want confrontation.
In one situation in Auburn when the homeowner called out the scam, the scammers went live on social media claiming no payment and giving the homeowners address for retaliation.
This scam preys on politeness and surprise, but awareness and firmness stop most attempts. If you’ve encounter something similar around Lake Martin, give a firm no, close the door and reach out to the local sheriffs office non emergency number. Stay vigilant!
