Skaneateles, N.Y. -- A Wayne County contractor was arrested after failing to return to complete home repairs paid for by a Skaneateles homeowner.
Tylor J. Felix, 26, was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, State Police announced in a news release Friday.
A Skaneateles homeowner paid Felix $3,000 for roof and gutter repairs, troopers said. Felix is accused of failing to purchase materials or return to complete the work he was paid for, they said.
The homeowner attempted to contact Felix numerous times to set up a start date for the home repairs after they had paid him, troopers said. Felix never returned to do the maintenance, troopers said.
He was issued an appearance ticket and is set to appear in court on July 13, troopers said.
Troopers warn homeowners that contractor schemes are fairly common, especially after major storms or other damaging weather events, they said.
Con artists will use high-pressure sale tactics and upfront fees to steal from victims, troopers said. They will take homeowners’ money and never complete the job or deliver low-quality work, troopers said.
Tips from State Police to avoid this scam:
- Say no to cash-only deals, handshake deals without contracts and contractors who reach out to homeowners directly.
- Ask contractors for references.
- Work with local businesses that have proper identification, licensing and insurance.
Staff writer Anne Hayes covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at ahayes@syracuse.com.
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