The LaFayette Police Department was recently alerted to a contractor scam that targets homeowners.

According to detective Stacey Meeks, a contractor by the name of Kenny Ratchford is claiming to be a consultant for Safe Security or Guardian Security, a California-based alarm company.

Ratchford allegedly identifies himself as a service technician.

He was previously an employee of the company more than a year ago.

Meeks has spoken with the vice president of the company, and he stated that Ratchford has defrauded the company of more than $100,000 nationwide.

The sales pitch seems authentic as he still uses the company’s contracts and letterhead.

“He’s going out targeting senior citizens,” Meeks said. “We have enough on him for several warrants.”

Ratchford bids alarm installations and pockets the down payments.

The scam was only discovered in recent weeks as homeowners have had their deposit checks cashed while Ratchford stalls customers about when the work will take place.

The company has Ratchford’s last-known address as a residence in North Carolina.

Meeks wants citizens to be aware that Ratchford may still be scamming customers in the area, and is seeking further information such as Ratchford’s license plate from any potential homeowners who may be approached.

The Lafayette area homeowners who have been scammed were unable to provide a good description of what he looks like, and Meeks is uncertain if the name “Kenny Ratchford” is accurate or an alias.

He has predominantly targeted residents in North Carolina, but his more recent trail of victims is in Tennessee and Georgia starting in December 2011.

If more homeowners suspect they have been scammed they are encouraged to contact Meeks at 706-639-1540.