Police looking for man who scammed an elderly person in Burlington

Officers said 48-year-old Elbert Paul Watson is facing multiple charges including exploitation of an elder.

Credit: Burlington Police Department

Author: Teyah Glenn

BURLINGTON, N.C. —

Virginia man facing multiple charges after scamming an elderly person in Burlington, police say. 

Officers said 48-year-old Elbert Paul Watson has been charged with breaking and entering, exploitation of an elder, uttering a forged instrument, and obtaining property by false pretense. 

An 88-year-old victim said that on October 18, Watson came inside their home, uninvited, using high-pressure sales tactics to convince them to enter a contract to pave the driveway and provide a signed blank check. 

During this time other unknown persons began working on the driveway while Watson filled out the blank check for more than the initial agreed-upon amount and went to a local bank. When he returned, he was able to get another check from the victim and attempted to cash the second check. The bank did not cash the second check. 

Watson has active warrants for his arrest and has not been taken into custody at this time. 

The victim reported the incident on October 21. Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division have reason to believe that there may be additional victims. 

If anyone believes they are a victim, they should contact the Burlington Police Department at 336-229-3500. 

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Police looking for man who scammed an elderly person in Burlington