A couple from New York who had been saving for years to beautify their home has recently fallen victim to a scam. The Hispanic couple trusted a Venezuelan man who promised to renovate their house at a lower cost than other contractors. They handed over their savings to him, only to find out that he had disappeared without starting the work they hired him for.
According to the New Hartford Police Department reports, the victims paid William Friello $38,000 last month for the renovation work. However, Friello took the money and never showed up to begin the agreed-upon renovations.
Upon realizing they had been scammed, the couple reported the incident to the local authorities. As a result, the police had enough evidence to arrest Friello on charges of third-degree fraud. Despite being released shortly after without posting bail, the authorities have warned the community to be cautious and verify the credentials of contractors before making payments upfront.
While the man is awaiting his court hearings, the police advise individuals to be vigilant and avoid falling prey to similar scams. It is important to check references, establish payment plans, and not make full payments before the work is completed. This cautionary tale serves as a reminder that not everything that glitters is gold, urging readers to be cautious and vigilant in dealing with contractors.
