Update: Alleged scam artist arrested, police seek other possible victims

Update

Andrew Mosley was arrested in Hall County early Thursday morning. According to Gwinnett County Police Department, since this case was first published, several other victims have called in reporting to have been victimized by Mosley. Any additional victims are urged to call 770 513-5300.

Initial story

Gwinnett County Police detectives are looking for an alleged scam artist believed to have defrauded many, particularly elderly people, through a tree cutting and removal service.

According to a press release from Gwinnett County Police Department, Andrew Mosley, 22, of Flowery Branch is wanted for 13 counts of misdemeanor Theft by Conversion and 1 count of felony Theft by Conversion.

“The investigation began December 1^st of last year and revolved around Mosley posing as a legitimate tree cutting and removal service with different company names. After receiving half or full payment, Mosley would not complete any of the jobs or he would complete only half of the jobs. Mosley stole money from 14 separate victims including several elderly victims in their mid-70’s and early 80’s,” Cpl. Deon Washington, public information officer with gCPD said in a press release. “Detectives believe that these cases involve approximately $9,000 dollars of money paid with tree cutting and removal jobs not completed. Detectives are working with Suwanee Police Department and any other agency that has information on Mosley.”

Washington said they believe there are more victims of this scam. The company names Mosley allegedly operated under include B & M Tree Services, Mosley Tree Service and United Tree Service. If anyone has any information to share in this case, they are asked to contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300.  To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestoppersatlanta.org.  You can also text your tip to “Crimes” (274637).  Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.  Case Number(s): 16-109045 listed for reference point. Numerous other cases not listed by case number.

“One of the best ways to lower your risk of being scammed by a fake company is to check the Secretary of States website to verify the existence of a company. You should also ask the owner of a tree removal service if the company is bonded and insured and request to see proof of the insurance,” Washington said in the press release. “Also make sure that you get a contractual agreement that spells out exactly what work is going to be performed and for what cost. All of this information can be very beneficial to law enforcement in the event a criminal investigation is initiated.”