Ann Arbor police warn of handyman scam
Ann Arbor police say a self-titled handyman has been preying on elderly residents, bilking them out of thousands of dollars by promising repair work or services that never get completed.
Police have thus far received two identical reports but suspect additional victims exist. The residents involved in the scam - which dates back to last fall - live on East Park Place near Michigan Stadium and Martin Place near Wells and Packard.
Ann Arbor police say the handyman claims he'll provide services like clearing snow - but doesn't do the work.
Detective William Tucker said the handyman has been identified, and police are seeking larceny charges against him. But he warned residents to be leery of similar scams and to contact police if they’ve experienced a similar situation.
In both cases, the man knocked on the doors of elderly residents and offered to do work for them - from snow shoveling to cleaning gutters, police said. The residents paid the man in advance, and he disappeared or did little work, Tucker said.
One 87-year-old woman gave him thousands of dollars, police said. Another resident gave him money to “repair a snowblower” when he claimed it was broken, preventing him from doing the work, Tucker said.
“He’ll maybe do a couple things and disappear after saying he’d clear the snow for the entire season and getting paid,” Tucker said. “If people think they’re being scammed, they need to call the police.”
Prosecutors are currently reviewing the case, police said.
Police issued a bulletin about the scam today, asking for any information in the case.
Anyone who has information or was scammed is asked to call Detective Tucker at 734-794-6930, ext. 49328.
Comments
RhondaM
Thu, Mar 4, 2010 : 10:31 a.m.
The name will hopefully be published soon, so the "honest" handyman can still get work and maintain credibility they deserve and have worked hard for!
scooter dog
Thu, Mar 4, 2010 : 10:08 a.m.
Never,ever,ever give more than 50% up front and only to local or established business.If you don't trust them walk away,or tell them to take a hike.People that take advantage of the elderly need to be tared and feathered.
tracyann
Thu, Mar 4, 2010 : 8:39 a.m.
Never "hire" anyone who comes knocking on your door offering to do odd jobs. Maybe I'm just pessimistic but I don't trust anyone who comes to my house asking me to buy something. Unless it's the neighborhood kids doing a fundraiser.
Mark
Wed, Mar 3, 2010 : 10:19 p.m.
In order to prevent scams like this from happening in the future property owners should consult with friends and family for personal referrals before hiring off the street. Another great method to getting contract work performed by a reputable company is contacting (Washtenawreferralnetwork.com) This way the work is completed professionally and the contractor(s) comes highly recommended by the community at large.
ronn oneal
Wed, Mar 3, 2010 : 9:03 p.m.
Post the name crook..
Positive Ion Things
Wed, Mar 3, 2010 : 8:24 p.m.
The name should be published, even if just as a person of interest. As a local contractor, myself and most others around town who work hard and spend money advertising could be hurt by potential customers thinking we're ALL guilty crooks until they know who it actually is. Also I recommend that customers only put up front the cost of materials on small jobs like this, labor should only paid once the work is completed and approved.
MjC
Wed, Mar 3, 2010 : 7:21 p.m.
It's so disheartening to read about people taking advantage of the elderly. I agree with 1bigbud that this so called handy man, if guilty as charged, should have his name published for all to see.
Ryan Munson
Wed, Mar 3, 2010 : 7:21 p.m.
Hey Lowe's even takes money up front before the work is completed, but their contractors don't get paid until you're satisfied. Sometimes local business isn't what it's meant to be. =)
1bigbud
Wed, Mar 3, 2010 : 5:44 p.m.
If you think he is crook Put his or her name out on the web All contarctors want $ up front some more than others