A handful of angry residents reported that individuals claiming to be from the City's Community Services department painted identification numbers on curbs in front of the homes on their block, then asked for a donation for the work. When they did not give a donation the individuals wiped off the numbers, leaving smears.

"If they're painting stuff on the curbs that people don't want there it can be construed as vandalism," said Gilroy police Sgt. Kurt Svardal. "And that's not acceptable. I don't know if they're (scammers) or not, they definitely need some information about how to run a thriving business."

The painters left fliers in mailboxes explaining that the numbers are helpful for emergency personnel to find houses and a convenience for delivery services, police said. The flier lists an estimated $10 value for the work, however, says "there is no fixed charge." It also indicates that "all the work will be done to your satisfaction."

The total number of individuals who have paid this group claiming to be Community Service members is unknown to police at this time. The fliers appeared in the Delta Drive area earlier this week.

"We only know about the couple who are upset because they complained about it," Svardal said. "We don't know who this group is or what they are about. The biggest concern with this is they're calling themselves Community Services. The City of Gilroy Community Services has nothing to do with it."

The painters do not have a business license with the city, which they are required to have when requesting payment.

Residents are asked to call the Gilroy Police Department at 848-0350 if a curb painter claiming an affiliation with the city or community services department contacts them.

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