ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — Local officials are warning people in Ross County that criminals who wish to do harm are illegally posing as property assessors.
According to a police report obtained by the Guardian from the Ross County Sheriff, a woman reported to deputies on Tuesday that a man was at her house and walking around her yard. When she confronted the man, he ran to his car and sped down the driveway. The woman told deputies that she was able to get the car stopped, and the man said he was with the county auditor’s office and sped away without giving his name or showing identification.
Ross County Auditor Tom Spetnagel Jr., said that the man was not affiliated with his office and that county residents should be on guard for possible criminals wishing to break the law.
“I encourage residents to exercise caution and common sense whenever someone is on your property,{ Auditor Spetnagel told the Guardian on Wednesday. “Our appraisers have a legal right to visit your property to take pictures and measurements, but they will never enter your home. They will also always identify themselves and wear a jacket that is clearly marked ‘Ross County Auditor.'”
When in doubt, call the Auditor’s office at (740) 702-3080 to confirm the person’s identity, the Auditor said.
“I also encourage people to report imposters to the local police or Sheriff, as there are serious legal consequences for such activity.”
If able to be done so safely, Spetnagel said to record the license plate of any vehicles and take pictures to share with law enforcement.
