A Middletown man has been charged in connection with two incidents of home improvement fraud.
According to New Castle County Police, the incidents occurred in the Newark-area community of Middle Run Crossing in March and May of this year. One man said he paid 52-year-old Mark Perry more than $17,000 for renovations that were never completed as well as materials that were never purchased. Another main claimed he lost $10,000.
County Police said a lengthy investigation led to Perry being charged Wednesday with two felony counts of home improvement fraud. Perry was being held on $5,000 cash bail at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution.
Police are also concerned that there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Anyone with information about the case or believes he or she may be a victim of a similar fraud is asked to contact New Castle County Police. The non-emergency number is 302-573-2800. Also, tips may be reported to Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
New Castle County Police also shared advice about minimizing the risk of becoming a victim of a home repair scam:
Do’s
Do insist on seeing references. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends asking past customers detailed questions, including whether the project was completed on time and if there were unexpected costs. The FTC also suggests asking the contractor…
