Girard couple swindled by fake contractor

By Lee Murray

TheNewsOutlet.org

Girard

An elderly Girard couple told police that they gave $1,000 to a man claiming to be a roofing contractor last week, but they have not been able to contact him since.

The man came to their house and asked them if they would like some repair work done to their home, a police report said.

He quoted them a total of $2,409 and asked the couple for the cost of building materials up front.

The homeowners alerted police Monday because the man took the money but has not returned.

“This is a very common scam,” said Girard Chief of Police Jeffrey Palmer. “Several of our residents have been targeted this way over the last couple of years.”

The man left the couple with some paperwork that showed his business, “Anytime Repair and Roofing,” as having an address on Masury Road in Masury.

Police said that there is no listing for a business by that name at that address.

“I’d advise all residents to be vigilant when asked to hand over money,” said Palmer. “Check out the people who come to your house. Call the Better Business Bureau, and request references. Legitimate contractors will have plenty of references from past work.”

The man called himself Jona, but his last name, which is handwritten on the paperwork, is illegible.

The couple have called the number he wrote on the paperwork several times but only get an answering machine. The home- owners described him as a slim, white man with a goatee and bad teeth.

“We are currently investigating a couple of very strong leads,” Palmer said.

Palmer said seniors should contact family members for assistance with vetting solicitors. Concerned homeowners can contact the Youngstown Better Business Bureau at 330-744-3111.