ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (AP) -- Authorities say a 78-year-old Rineyville man has been scammed out of nearly $20,000 by someone who led him to believe he would be reimbursed by insurance for a roof job.

The Hardin County Sheriff's Department investigating the scam and warning other central Kentucky residents to beware of the scammers.

Detective Tim Marcum says a bogus construction crew had the man pay two weeks ago for a roofing job that was never completed. Police reports say the man was made to believe his roof was in need of repairs and he agreed to allow the crew do the work.

After a couple of hours on the roof, the bogus construction crew demanded nearly 20-thousand dollars and a caller told the homeowner the work was covered by insurance agent and he would be reimbursed for anything he paid for.

Marcum believe the victim's mail could have been monitored by the crooks to gather his insurance company's name and other personal information.

Rineyville is 35 miles south-southwest of Louisville.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)