The Chatham-Kent police have arrested a man in connection with two fraud complaints in Chatham.
On October 10, 2014, a 38-year-old man reported a fraud to police. In August, the victim entered into a contract with the man as he was to remove and replace his driveway. In the ‘deal’ the man also offered a 10’x10’ pad for free. The victim paid the man $1500 upfront. The victim decided he wanted another paved parking spot in the driveway so he paid the man an additional $1090 even though no work had been completed yet. The victim further requested the man build a fence so he paid him $2000 as a deposit for that job. The man started the fence but never finished it nor did he ever start the driveway.
On October 14, 2014, a 76-year-old man reported to police that he had been the victim of a fraud. The victim advised that in September he contracted the man to cut down a large cedar tree line and construct a wooden privacy fence in his backyard. Although the trees were removed, the man only built half the fence. The victim paid the man $3500.
Through investigation, police learned that the man had falsely identified himself to both victims. Officers identified the man from previous fraud charges and determined that he was currently bound by several release conditions. One of the conditions stated that he was not to accept or solicit any monies as advance payment or deposit for work that is promised to be performed.
Yesterday, police located the man and he was arrested. Angelo Novelli, 40 years, of Taylor Trail in Chatham has been charged with two counts of fraud under $5000 x2 and nine counts of failing to comply. He has been held in custody pending a future court date of October 20, 2014.
The Chatham Kent Police Service would like to remind citizens to be cautious of anyone who offers to do home repairs. They may talk fast, tell you they have left over materials or pressure you into signing a contract. Ask for identification as all legitimate contractors are licensed. Take your time and make an informed decision. Do not feel obligated to act quickly or pay a deposit in advance. If the ‘deal’ seems too good to be true, then it probably is.
For more information on ‘Service Scams’ please click on the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre link
https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/english/recognizeit.html