- The Do's and Don'ts of Infidelity
- Expectations of an Infidelity Investigation
- Home Improvement Fraud
- Identity Theft
- Seller Be Ware
- Signs of a Cheating Spouse
- Felons on the Payroll
David L. Basham
Over the past few weeks our Agency has investigated two incidents of “Home Improvement Fraud”, that have a different twist to them.
Both of these incidents started with the “Bad Guy” taking his family to a nice restaurant. He, his wife, and children sit around the table, and present the appearance of being the “All American Family” dining out. Partially through their meal, they become friendly with some of the other patrons, seated nearby. The “Bad Guy” informs the other patrons that he operates his own business, in which he repairs and remodels homes. Invariably, one of the patrons mentions that he/she has been wanting to remodel part of their home to add closet space; convert a garage into a den; add a room onto the existing structure; etc. The “Bad Guy” gets their phone number, and promises to call.
A couple of days later, the “Bad Guy” calls, and sets up an appointment to come to the “victim’s” home. After discussing the project, the “Bad Guy” gives them a very good estimate, in that the overall project will end up costing the “victim” much less than anticipated. There is an agreement that the “victim” will retain the “Bad Guy” to do the work.
The “Bad Guy” then explains to the “victim” that he is going to have to buy some building materials to start the work. He asks the “victim” for enough money to buy these materials. In one of our cases, “Bad Guy” # 1, asked for $ 5,000.00 in advance. In the other case, the “Bad Guy” # 2. asked for $ 1,500.00. In both of the cases the checks from the victims were promptly cashed, and in both cases the “Bad Guy” did not return to begin the work.
Both of the victims developed warm, fuzzy, feelings about the “Bad Guys”, because of meeting them in the nice restaurant setting, accompanied by wife and children. It did not occur to either of the victims that their respective “Bad Guy” could be scam artist.
The “Golden Rule” of all scam artists is to “Use the most believable lie."