Missouri – Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is taking legal action against a home contractor accused of scamming elderly residents out of thousands of dollars. A felony complaint has been filed against Harlin Dilday Jr., the owner of “D&D Outdoors” and “Dilday & Sons,” for allegedly targeting vulnerable homeowners through deceptive and aggressive business practices.
The charges, filed in Morgan County Circuit Court, include one count of financial exploitation of the elderly and one count of deceptive business practices. According to the complaint, Dilday Jr.’s company approached a resident in Versailles, Missouri, in February 2025, offering unsolicited home services. The initial offer included asphalt work and tree trimming for a price of $1,000. However, after completing the work, the company is said to have demanded an unexpected and significantly higher payment—$15,000.
Attorney General Bailey strongly condemned the alleged behavior.
“My office will not tolerate the exploitation of Missouri’s most vulnerable residents,” said Attorney General Bailey. “We are committed to holding bad actors accountable and protecting Missouri consumers from fraud and abuse.”
The Attorney General’s Office emphasized that the charges against Dilday Jr. remain allegations and that, as in all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case highlights a growing concern across the state, where predatory contractors often target elderly residents by performing unsolicited work and demanding inflated fees. Attorney General Bailey reiterated his office’s resolve, adding, “We will continue to aggressively prosecute those who target elderly Missourians through deception and intimidation.”
In response to the rising number of consumer fraud cases, the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division is actively working to expand its legal team. The division is seeking attorneys interested in public service and consumer advocacy to help hold dishonest businesses accountable. Job opportunities are available through the official website at ago.mo.gov.
Missourians who believe they may have been victims of fraud are urged to contact the Attorney General’s Office. Complaints can be filed by calling the Consumer Protection hotline at 800-392-8222 or by submitting an online report at ago.mo.gov.
As the state continues to confront financial exploitation and consumer scams, Bailey’s office remains focused on delivering justice and preventing further harm to Missouri’s residents—particularly its elderly population.
