ATLANTA, Ga. (2025-06-17 14:46:00) – Grant Frerking, a former University of Tennessee football player, is under investigation by Atlanta police after multiple residents in a Roswell neighborhood alleged he took payments for pine straw and mulch but failed to deliver.
Frerking,who onc ran a pine straw installation company,is accused of accepting money from neighbors without providing the promised services.
- Grant Frerking, an ex-University of Tennessee football player, is being investigated.
- Residents in a Roswell neighborhood claim they paid for pine straw and mulch that was never delivered.
- Complaints involve approximately $16,000 paid by at least 15 neighbors.
Is Grant Frerking facing legal trouble? Police are looking into claims that Frerking, an Atlanta native and former walk-on wide receiver for the University of Tennessee Volunteers, took money for services he didn’t provide, leaving neighbors in the lurch.
Empty Promises
Frerking’s LinkedIn profile once touted his pine straw and mulch installation company, Metro straw, as the largest in the southeast. Though, after selling the business in 2021, he allegedly continued to solicit business under his name via social media promotions, encouraging customers to email him directly for orders.
Neighbors said they were left empty-handed
John frierson reported paying Frerking $1,900 for materials that never arrived. “He definitely knows the business,” Frierson said, adding that “Everything looked legit.” Frierson, after not hearing back from Frerking, purchased pine straw from another supplier. Frierson also shared that at least 15 neighbors in the Brookfield country Club subdivision collectively paid around $16,000 for services that were never completed. Complaints spread through the neighborhood’s Facebook group, with others sharing similar experiences.
Another resident,who preferred to remain anonymous,stated that she paid $1,200 and has not been refunded.
Some refunds issued
Despite the allegations, Frerking has remained in communication with some customers. Frierson showed a text exchange where Frerking acknowledged the debt and promised repayment. Frierson recently received a $1,000 refund.
“I don’t think he needs to go to jail,but he needs to be stopped,” Frierson said.
Frerking responds to allegations
In a statement, Frerking said, “All of the customers have received their installations, been refunded or are in the process of being refunded. I intend to complete all refunds. I regret all inconvenience and delay.”
Frerking, after graduating from the University of Tennessee, worked for On3, a college sports recruiting platform. The company released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) acknowledging the allegations and confirming his employment ended on May 27, 2025. The company is conducting an internal investigation.
The Downside of “Doing Business”
The allegations against Grant Frerking, the former University of Tennessee football player, highlight a concerning trend: the potential risks involved in trusting local service providers. While Frerking’s case involves landscaping, the challenges faced by his alleged victims are echoed in various consumer experiences across the country. Understanding these risks and knowing how to protect yourself is essential.
Grant Frerking’s case serves as a stark reminder: always verify the legitimacy of a service provider before making any payments. Failing to do so can lead to financial loss and frustration, as is alleged to be the case in Roswell.
Red Flags and How to Spot them
Several warning signs should raise a consumer’s suspicion. The neighbors in Roswell might have avoided the situation altogether had they known what to look out for.
- Unrealistic Pricing: Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. While competitive pricing is welcome, considerably lower quotes could indicate a lack of quality or the potential for unmet obligations.
- Lack of Transparency: A reputable business should readily provide detailed data, including a clear written contract, references, and proof of insurance. Anything less should prompt caution.
- pressure Tactics: High-pressure sales, demands for immediate payment, or attempts to rush your decision are classic red flags.
- Poor Communication: Are they arduous to reach? Do they avoid answering questions clearly? Consistent unresponsiveness is a important concern.
- Inconsistent information: Does the information provided by the provider match what you find online or from other sources?
Protecting Yourself: A Proactive Approach
Protecting yourself means doing your homework.
- Check Online Reviews: Sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) provide valuable insights into a provider’s reputation.
- Verify Licensing and Insurance: Professional services often require licenses,and an insurance policy. Confirm these details with the relevant authorities.
- Get Everything in Writing: A detailed contract is crucial, outlining the scope of work, payment terms, deadlines, and guarantees.
- Pay with Secure Methods: Use credit cards rather than cash or debit cards, as credit cards provide additional consumer protection in case of disputes.
- Avoid Large Upfront Payments: A reasonable deposit may be acceptable, but avoid paying a significant portion of the total cost upfront.
What to Do If Your Scammed
If you believe you’ve been scammed, acting quickly is crucial.
- Document Everything: Keep all records of communications, contracts, and payments.
- Contact the Authorities: Report the incident to the local police and the Attorney General’s office.
- Alert the BBB: File a complaint to warn other consumers.
- Consider Legal Action: Depending on the amount of money involved, you may want to seek legal advice on available options, such as small claims court.
As seen in the Roswell case, social media can be a conduit for both soliciting business and sharing grievances. While Frerking allegedly utilized social media for promotion, the Brookfield Country Club subdivision’s Facebook group served as a platform for residents to voice their complaints and share their experiences.
Social media, while offering convenience, requires increased caution. Always thoroughly research any provider encountered on these platforms before engaging their services.
It is indeed vital to stay vigilant. Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, so staying informed of common scams and consumer protection measures is essential.
The implications of such alleged behavior extend beyond mere dissatisfaction. While it’s critically important to acknowledge due process and await the outcomes of any investigations, the underlying issues remain.
FAQs About Consumer Protection
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to safeguard yourself from fraudulent service providers and scams.
What is the best way to find a reputable service provider?
Start with referrals from people you trust. Then check online reviews, verify licensing and insurance, and always get a written contract.
What should I do if a service provider asks for a large payment upfront?
Be cautious.A reasonable deposit is acceptable, but avoid paying a significant portion of the total cost before any work begins. This limits your risk if the provider fails to deliver.
How can I protect myself from online scams?
Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Verify a provider’s information, only use secure payment methods, and avoid clicking suspicious links or providing personal information to unknown sources.
What are the benefits of a detailed written contract?
A detailed written contract protects both the service provider and the customer. It establishes the projects’ scope, payment terms, deadlines, and guarantees, which are crucial in case of disputes.
were can I report a scam, and how do I get my money back?
Report scams to your local police, the Attorney General’s office, and the Better Business Bureau. Recovering funds depends on the specifics of the situation.You may be able to pursue legal action, and payment methods like credit cards often have consumer protection measures.
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