Police Warn Of 'Gypsy' Home-Repair Scammers

Police in Gladstone are warning residents about a so-called "gypsy clan" involved in home improvement scams in the Midwest.

Police said the scammers are preying on the elderly by going to their homes and convincing them they need their driveways sealed or roofs repaired.

Investigators said the group has pulled off scams in the area before and they're believed to be back in town.

Brandon G. Swartz, 19, of Joplin, was charged with financially exploiting the elderly. In December 2007, Swartz was paid for a roofing job in Gladstone that was never completed, police said.

Alford J. Jeffery, 20, of Carthage, is accused of tricking a Gladstone woman out of money for roofing supplies. Police said Jeffery saw a roofing sign in the yard and passed himself off as the son of the owner of the roofing company doing the job.

Police said they believe Swartz and Jeffery are part of a gang of eight people who work the area.

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• Kansas
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• home
• repair
• scam
• Gladstone