A Florida Homeowner’s Driveway Was Ripped Out in a Scam She Wasn’t Even the Target Of

A Florida homeowner’s missing driveway is now tied to an alleged scam that police say may not have been aimed at her in the first place.

Luz Lenzi, a homeowner in Sanford, first told News 6 earlier this year that she had hired someone only to repair a crack in her driveway, according to ClickOrlando.

Weeks later, she received a call saying there was a mountain of material in front of her house and her driveway was gone.

Lenzi said she never approved a driveway replacement. For homeowners, the case shows how property damage can start with a contractor who never confirmed the person ordering the work had authority over the home.

Police Say the Job Came From Someone Else

According to Sanford police, someone claiming to be from a real estate company hired a different contractor to update the driveway.

The contractor stopped work after a $15,000 check for the job bounced. Records obtained by News 6 showed the check was written from “SOIL Realty LLC,” which was listed as being in New Mexico.

The Homeowner Was Not the Intended Target

Sanford police said the contractor did not meet the client in person and did not file a permit for the work.

As part of the investigation, police subpoenaed bank records connected to SOIL Realty LLC and requested Google records tied to an email address used in the deal. Investigators said the records led them to internet addresses in Nigeria.

The Motive Is Still Not Fully Clear

Police told News 6 it is not exactly clear how the alleged scammer would have profited.

Investigators believe the goal may have been to pressure the contractor for money. They also said Lenzi’s home may have been selected because it was listed for sale.

The Contractor Is Now Reimbursing Her

Lenzi told News 6 that she was left as the person who lost out in the situation. She said the contractor initially refused to fix the driveway because the company also considered itself a victim.

The contractor later agreed to reimburse her for repairs, according to ClickOrlando. News 6 contacted the contractor for comment, but the company declined.

Driveway Work Should Start With Verified Authorization

The FTC warns that home improvement scams can leave homeowners with damage, overcharges, poor work, or no completed work at all.

Before driveway, paving, roofing, solar, tree, or repair work begins, property owners should confirm the contractor, the written scope, the person who ordered the job, and any required permit. The City of Sanford Building Division says permits are handled through its Citizenserve online portal and residents can contact the office for additional information.

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