Dwelling Enchancment Rip-off Reported in Arlington – NBC Boston

Three males are accused of making an attempt to rip-off an aged house owner in Arlington, Massachusetts, with what police say is a typical con – a house enchancment rip-off.

Quincy residents Peter Gilheney, 21, Patrick Gilheney, 18 and Randolph resident Richard Gilheney all face prices of malicious destruction of property, greater than $1,200 and larceny by false pretenses, over $250. Peter Gilheney can be charged with unlicensed operation of a motorized vehicle and quantity plate violation to hide identification.

Police allege that the three males quoted the sufferer $200 to repair a small crack in his entrance steps. A number of days later, police say, they returned and ripped out the steps with out the sufferer’s permission, then quoted him one other $6,000 for repairs. The sufferer wrote a examine for a portion of that quantity, which was cashed.

Investigators posed as potential prospects to trace down the suspects, who had been arrested on Friday. All three had been arraigned in Cambridge District Courtroom and launched on private recognizance.

Dwelling enchancment scams

Police say that the ways allegedly utilized by the suspects are a typical rip-off. These scams typically goal seniors and supply residence enchancment companies, typically for properties that do require restore. They quote a small worth, then deliberately injury a part of the house and quote a a lot bigger worth to repair it, asking for a big fee up entrance, then by no means full the work.

These scammers might attain out to victims by telephone, e-mail, or door-to-door, claiming they’ve been doing work domestically and have additional supplies available.

Police advocate that earlier than hiring any contractor you examine to see in the event that they’re registered with the Workplace of Client Affairs and Enterprise Regulation utilizing the home improvement contractor registration look up service. You may also request a duplicate of the corporate’s customary contract, and ask after any warranties. You need to by no means should pay greater than 1/3 of the whole price of a service up entrance, and solely accomplish that upon getting regarded into their background and have a contract.

When you consider you might have been the sufferer of a rip-off, contact your native police division.