57-year-old man charged with targeting elderly in multi-state scam

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- There is an estimated $3 billion in losses annually due to elder fraud, according to the FBI.

A recent driveway scam targeting elderly residents has occurred in Wake County.

Fifty-seven-year-old Brian Alexander Taulton is accused of racking up about $100,000 from victims in North Carolina.

The Wake County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) said after a thorough investigation, deputies obtained arrest warrants for Taulton for obtaining property by false pretense and exploitation of an older adult.

Authorities said Taulton was taken into custody on Sept. 3 by the Wake Forest Police Department for similar, unrelated charges. He was processed into the Wake County Detention Center under a $346,000 secured bond.

ABC11 spoke to two victims, who said they were robbed of more than $15,000 each.

Taulton was in handcuffs and attempting to avoid cameras as he sat in court Thursday morning for his first appearance.

According to warrants and the victims, Taulton claimed he had extra supplies for asphalt repair. Victims said he offered to help fix their driveway.

One victim told ABC11 that Taulton charged him almost $16,000, and said Taulton and his associates allegedly dug up his driveway, dumped the debris along a greenway, then did a subpar job on the new driveway, with cracks showing up almost immediately.

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When the victim called Taulton the next day, the check had been cashed, and he filed a report with the police.

In another charged incident, ABC11 spoke to a 95-year-old Katherin Pilkinton, who said Taulton claimed he worked for the city to do work on driveways.

"My son-in-law went out and talked to him, and he said he was from the city, one contract with the city to do some work on driveways in the city would pay for, and I would have to pay the other part," she said.

However, it was all a lie; Taulton allegedly stole around $18,000 from Pilkinton.

"Be careful about who comes in your door. Be very careful about who comes to your door. I hope they lock him up for the rest of his life. He's been caught before," said Pilkinton.

Taulton is also facing and has faced charges in other states. In Virginia, authorities have served him with fugitive warrants for similar but separate cases, according to WCSO.

Taulton is due back in court on Sept. 25.

ABC11 spoke to a Financial Crimes Investigator about the prevalence of this type of crime and wants people to remain skeptical.

"The urgency of getting the work done, and you're going to save so much money by accepting the job right now. That's where they get folks. And my best advice is don't fall for that. Wait. Take your time. Ask them for a business card, ask them for information, ask for references. Don't just accept a contract," said Curt Novy.