ARLINGTON — Chief Julie Flaherty reports that the Arlington Police Department arrested three men Friday in relation to a home improvement scam.
PETER GILHENEY, AGE 21, OF QUNICY was arrested and charged with:
- Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Number Plate Violation to Conceal Identification
- Malicious Destruction of Property, More Than $1,200
- Larceny by False Pretenses, Over $250
RICHARD GILHENEY, AGE 18, OF RANDOLPH was arrested and charged with:
- Malicious Destruction of Property, More Than $1,200
- Larceny by False Pretenses, Over $250
PATRICK GILHENEY, AGE 18, OF QUINCY was arrested and charged with:
- Malicious Destruction of Property, More Than $1,200
- Larceny by False Pretenses, Over $250
On Tuesday, Jan. 10, Arlington Police were notified by an elderly resident of a potential home improvement scam. The resident reported to police that three men charged him an excessive amount of money for home improvement work and damaged his property.
This is a common scam that often targets seniors for various home improvement projects. The targeted homes are typically in need of legitimate repairs. However, the suspect will often quote a very small price for a minor job and then damage a chimney, front steps, retaining wall, roof or another part of the home, without permission from the homeowner. The suspect will then quote a much higher price and convince the victim to pay a large sum upfront, promising to complete the work, but later taking the payment without completing the work.
The victim reported to police that three men, later identified as PETER GILHENEY, RICHARD GILHENEY AND PATRICK GILHENEY, quoted him $200 to fix a small crack in his front steps.
The men returned a few days later and allegedly ripped out the front steps without the victim’s permission and quoted the victim $6,000 for repairs. The victim ultimately wrote a check for a portion of the total amount, which was allegedly cashed by the suspects. The victim attempted to get his check back, but was unsuccessful.
On Jan. 13, Arlington Police detectives contacted the suspects posing as potential customers. When the three men arrived to a predetermined location, they were approached by police. PETER GILHENEY, RICHARD GILHENEY AND PATRICK GILHENEY were positively identified as the men who allegedly damaged the victim’s property and took his check, and all three were arrested without incident.
While on-scene, police also determined that PETER GILHENEY was allegedly driving without a license, and that the vehicle’s registration plates were associated with a different vehicle.
All three men were arraigned in Cambridge District Court today and were released on personal recognizance.
Avoiding Scams:
The Arlington Police Department wishes to share the following tips regarding home improvement contractor scams from the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation:
- Scammers often approach potential victims for home improvement scams by phone, email or by traveling door-to-door, and may claim they’ve been performing work locally and have surplus material.
- Scammers frequently offer their services at a very low price.
- Check to make sure the contractor is registered with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation by using its home improvement contractor registration look up service. Request a business card or website address for the contractor’s business.
- Be wary if the individual is driving an unmarked motor vehicle.
- Request a copy of the company’s standard contract.
- Inquire about whether the company will provide a warranty and how long that warranty will last.
- Never pay more than one-third the total cost of a service upfront, in cash, and only do so once you have verified that this person is a registered home improvement contractor and you have a contract.
Anyone who believes they have fallen victim to any type of scam is encouraged to contact the Arlington Police Department at 781-643-1212
These are allegations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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