MADERA COUNTY – Sheriff John Anderson is warning citizens to beware of a man posing as a sales rep making house calls in Madera County.
The suspect identifies himself to his victims as Dennis Small, and claims to represent Air Care Medical out of Clovis.Mr. Small’s latest victim is a 68-year old Oakhurst man, who bought a vacuum from the Clovis company.
After making that purchase, “Dennis Small” made a house call, telling the victim that he was authorized to sell products and service for that product. Believing Small’s sales pitch, the victim forked over nearly $800 for a warranty contract that included lifetime filters and service.
That was in May. By October the victim needed his vacuum serviced and made arrangements to replace the filters as per the warranty. Small promised to respond within two weeks.
Two months later, and still no service, the victim called the Sheriff.
Sheriff Anderson says based on information gathered, deputies suspect the door-to-door salesman may not be acting alone. The Madera County Sheriff’s Office has been advised there are other victims.
Anyone who may have information is asked to call either the Madera County Sheriff’s Office at 559-675-7770 or CRIME STOPPPERS at 559-498-STOP.
