Shelby County Sheriff’s Office warns of pine straw scam targeting residents
On Your Side Safety Check
SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) - The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is warning about reports of a pine straw scam occurring in the county.
The sheriff’s office said they received reports of people going door-to-door offering pine straw for sale, collecting payment and then failing to deliver the product or providing significantly less than promised.
This isn’t the first time the scam happened in central Alabama, and it’s not even the first time it’s happened in the state this year. Hoover Police issued a warning in May 2026 and north Alabama authorities issued one in February 2026.
Aspects of the scam may change. In 2024, WBRC spoke to a man who was scammed when men offered to put pine straw out, costing only about $300. By the time they were done, the cost was over $1,000.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office offered a few tips to protect yourself:
- Ask for the business name and contact info
- Request a written estimate or reciept
- Be cautious of anyone demanding payment upfront
- Avoid paying with cash whenever possible
- Research the company and check for reviews
- If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is
- Don’t pay until the work is done
The sheriff’s office said if you believe you’ve been a victim of a scam, or you encounter suspicious activity, contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office at (205) 670-6000.
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