Q&A
Discussion of a specific roofing scam case and its investigation
0:52:45
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114 sec
Council Member Crystal Hudson inquires about a specific roofing scam case, leading to a detailed explanation from NYPD Assistant Chief Jason Savino about the investigation and resolution of the case.
- The scam involved perpetrators claiming to notice roof work needed, initially quoting $8,000.
- Scammers would then claim more extensive work was required, increasing the price to $50,000.
- Two arrests were made: James Maloney and James Rob, in March and August respectively.
- These arrests were significant in disrupting the scam operation in the area.
- The discussion highlights the importance of specialized investigative groups and community awareness in combating such scams.
- Assistant Chief Savino emphasizes the need to restore dignity to victims and address underreporting issues.
Spiro Papavlasopoulos
0:52:45
Well, during the course of the investigation, we knew that these perpetrators were using some tactics Right?
0:52:52
Some that they normally use.
Jason Savino
0:52:54
I'll I'll I'll take that over.
0:52:55
It was one of our investigations.
0:52:57
So in essence, what they would do is and and I'll just reiterate some of the things that he said because it it was a very common scam we were seeing in in Queens.
0:53:06
I think you were part of that as well, and thank you for that.
0:53:09
Thank you for that making us aware of it because it was being more common.
0:53:13
So what they would do is they would come in and essentially say, we're in the area.
0:53:17
We notice you you need work on your roof.
0:53:19
Right?
0:53:20
So then they would say it's it's approximately $8000, and then they would take apart the whole roof and say, oh, well, unbeknownst to us, we didn't realize how much work really needed to be done, and then they would up the price to about 50,000, and then they would never return.
0:53:35
Once they obtain those funds, but it does have a happy ending.
0:53:39
We did make 2 arrests on a on a James Maloney and a James Rob in March August, respectively, and these traveling groups that essentially going to a neighborhood, flood a neighborhood once you make arrests on them.
0:53:53
That sets a tone.
0:53:54
And we considered these 2 individuals really to be to mask the minds of this particular scam.
0:53:59
Once you make arrests on them, you remove them, the snake's head of the patterns, if you will, It ceases, and it gets displaced.
0:54:06
They go to a different area.
0:54:07
And since those arrests, we haven't seen incidents since.
0:54:10
So it does have a happy ending.
0:54:12
It certainly plays to the specialty groups.
0:54:14
When we have specialty groups investigating these crimes, And and once again, thank you for making us aware, and that goes to everybody.
0:54:22
You know, we're only as good as the people around us, and it plays also to our victims.
0:54:28
We have to give that dignity back to them.
Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez
0:54:30
Yeah.
Jason Savino
0:54:31
And sometimes that underreporting is part of
Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez
0:54:33
that.
0:54:34
Right.
Jason Savino
0:54:35
So it you're all eyes and ears, and thank you once again.
Crystal Hudson
0:54:38
Thank you.
Spiro Papavlasopoulos
0:54:39
Just to add just one more thing to that.
