I received a letter from a company called Jenco Energy LLC out of Pelham, Alabama today. The letter stated that the company is currently engaged in oil and gas operations in Adams Township OH, where I live (I've never heard of them). The letter went on to state that I could realize a very high rate of income on my property at the lowest income tax rate, before the Bush tax cuts are taken away at the end of this year. How, you might ask? By selling them a portion of my mineral interests in my property for ~$1400/acre. This company would be doing me a favor by purchasing these interests, so that I wouldn't have to pay higher taxes on an oil/gas lease bonus payment, or rely on a producer to provide me with royalties.

Gee, I bet the portion of my mineral rights that they'd like to purchase is the Utica shale rights. *ding ding ding*

No thank you. I'm not selling an interest in any of my mineral rights to ANYONE. Sign a decent, fair oil/gas lease, which fairly compensates me and doesn't try to steal me blind - probably. But this proposal - no way!

I belong to the Coshocton County Landowners Group, and talked with Todd Endsley about the letter this afternoon. He said another group member brought in the same letter, only they are from Oxford Township.

I believe this company is sending these letters out en masse to landowners in Coshocton County, hoping that someone will fall for their less-than-ethical proposal. This is nothing but a scam.

And to do this just weeks before Christmas, in an area where people are hurting for money makes it that much worse.

Please check with friends and neighbors to see if they've received a letter from this company, and warn them to stay as far away from them as possible. Just like some of the land men, this company is not your friend, and is doing you no favors.