HAVERHILL, Mass. — A trio of “handymen” scammed an elderly man out of $90,000 by charging him for odd jobs they did around his home — and jobs they didn’t do very well, police said.
The trio showed up at the 92-year-old man’s home in February in a red GMC pickup truck with Maine license plates and offered to do small jobs.
“They began with some tree work and got into painting railings and cleaning the basement — general handyman type work,” said Detective Glen Fogarty. “They were charging an exorbitant amount of money for substandard work.”
Police were tipped to the scam by the victim’s bank, which noticed an irregular spending pattern and put a freeze on his accounts. The bank then notified police.
The three men went to the victim’s home Friday to get another check from the victim, which they then tried to cash at the victim’s bank. The bank held the check and called police.
The trio left without cashing the check and have not been back to the city since, Fogarty said. He said the men know they are under investigation and one of the three has an open case in Maine involving similar incidents.
Fogarty said police want to warn the public of such scams.
“Be aware of people knocking on your door to do work, they may not be legitimate,” Fogarty said.
Persons who may have been contacted by the three men or who may have knowledge of their activities may call Fogarty at the police station at 978-373-1212, ext. 570.
© 2012 The Eagle-Tribune
Distributed by MCT Information Services
So, did the thieves actually get $90K or were they thwarted by alert bankers? Not clear from the story.
What low-lifes. That man is 92 and probably can not do the stuff himself. To take 90K from him is just plain wrong. I’ sure there is a special place in H*&^. for these three losers.
I question the legitimacy and motives of any stranger who approaches and is found knocking on my door….just a result of the craziness described in this article…..people, watch and check up on your elderly family and friends regularly…..
Pictures and/or names of these thieves? If one of the 3 has an open case in Maine, then at least one is known to authorities. Must be able to get their pics from bank surveillance cameras. Would be easier for the public and unsuspecting “customers” to spot them and turn them in that way if it were known what they looked like.
If there is an open case, then there must be a mugshot??…..and a name!!
I’m sure the poor man has trouble comprehending how devious some people have become over his 92 years.
BDN, the story seems a little incomplete to even publish?
Yeah, like no description of the men. Three men in a red GMC pickup with Maine plates…..hhmmmmm….yup I remember seeing them…..oh wait…..but maybe it was the other 3 I saw….or maybe…….Just how many red GMC pickups with Maine plates are there in the state of Maine??…….really a vague description.
Death Penalty.