Carson City detectives: New information surfaces in tree service fraud investigation
Since issuing information attempting to locate fraud suspect John Mark, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division has received additional information on the suspect. John Mark has attempted construction related fraud in Carson City and Douglas County.
John Mark was last seen driving an older white Ford pickup truck in Douglas County where he attempted to defraud an elderly couple on asphalt and deck construction. John Mark may also be in the Reno/Sparks area.
The Carson City Sheriff’s Office is seeking to identify a person who is soliciting home owners for tree service in Carson City. On Jan. 19 a male subject approached an elderly home owner on the 800 block Kingsley Lane in Carson City and offered to trim the trees on the property.
After collecting payment, the subject promised to return with his crew and tools to start work. The subject never returned. The male identified himself as John Mark with John Mark Tree Service. The male is described as a white male, in his mid-30s, with dark hair. The subject was driving a silver or gray pick-up truck with no company logo.
Anyone with information please contact the Carson City Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division, Detective Sam Hatley (775)283-7852 or Captain Brian Humphrey (775)283-7850. Reference case #18-554
Another form of fraud commonly seen in Carson City is construction, maintenance, landscaping frauds. Suspects usually contact homeowners offering to do work on the property. After receiving payment, they never return to start work or leave the job half finished.
Things to look for that may indicate the person is committing fraud are: lack of company logos, business cards and professional documents. Many of the suspects are not from Carson City and from outside Nevada.
Ask for identification, references, business licenses and a contractor’s license. The Nevada State Contractors Board maintains a database of licensed contractors at nvcontractorsboard.com.
If you suspect someone of fraudulent work, contact the Carson City Sheriff’s Office, Dispatch Center at (775) 887-2677 or The Nevada State Contractors Board at (775) 688-1141.