What the scammer wanted to steal was not the driveway; they wanted to steal the contractor (driveway replacement worker)'s money. They pretend to be the owner looking for a driveway replacement, “accidentally” pay too much, ask for the surplus money back, and then do a chargeback on everything they paid. In this case the contractor went ahead before realizing they’ve been scammed. Experienced contractors ask for an in-person meeting or proof of ownership.
As for the contractor who did the digging, few solid leads have emerged. When deputies called the scammer and asked him for the contractor’s phone number, he helpfully provided one – that belonged to the Orlando International Airport.
What the scammer wanted to steal was not the driveway; they wanted to steal the contractor (driveway replacement worker)'s money. They pretend to be the owner looking for a driveway replacement, “accidentally” pay too much, ask for the surplus money back, and then do a chargeback on everything they paid. In this case the contractor went ahead before realizing they’ve been scammed. Experienced contractors ask for an in-person meeting or proof of ownership.
Source: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/why-does-someone-steal-driveway-contractor-explains-how-scam-works/LVEJBTGRLRGQFEMW5AY6W7BOUY/ (the original source of this video)
That’s messed up. So elaborate too. :(
That seems to be a common thread in some scams: overpay, then enact the scam somehow during correction of that overpayment