(Emmetsburg)—Palo Alto county authorities are looking for an Oklahoma man wanted in connection with a home repair scam.
The Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office it stems from a call it received shortly before 2:00 p.m. Wednesday from an elderly resident stating that a man identified as Mark Lane of Oklahoma came to her rural Mallard home requesting payment of $2,600 for replacement of a cable for a lightning protection system. The work was supposedly done while no one was home. The homeowner paid the man by check without being presented a bill. Authorities say Lane returned several hours later claiming he miscalculated the bill for materials and needed an additional $1,200, which was again paid to him by check.
Authorities say a bank employee became suspicious when the checks were presented, and contacted the Sheriff’s Office who in turn contacted the victim who had been questioning the incident herself. A licensed electrician was contacted to inspect the cable only to discover that the work had not been done.
Lane is described as a white male, 65-years-old, 5’11” tall weighing 200 pounds with brown eyes and grey hair. The only vehicle description is a white car.
The Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office says it’s another reminder for homeowners to hire local, reputable contractors for any home repairs or home improvement projects.
