DSP News Release: Townsend Man Defrauded of Over $4,700.00

Location: 

• 200 block Money Road Townsend, De

DATE and TIME:  

• Friday June 3, 2011 4:30 pm

Victim(s):

• 76 year old Townsend Delaware man

3 Suspect(s):

• WM-twenties 5’10”-6’00” 210 lbs, Brown-hair muscular build
• WM-35-40 year of age, 5’10” 200 lbs, wavy/curly brown hair, mustache
• WM-forties, 5’10”, 200 lbs, wavy/curly grey hair
• Possibly in a white Chevrolet pickup truck

 Resume:

Townsend-Delaware State Police are searching for 3 men who defrauded a 76 year old Townsend man out of over $4,700 cash Friday afternoon.  The incident began at a residence on the 200 block of Money Road Townsend Delaware around 4:30 pm.

State Police learned the 76 year old victim was approached by the suspects who knocked on the side door to his residence.  The suspects told the victim they could sealcoat his driveway for .30 cents per square foot. 

 The victim agreed and the suspects began to sealcoat the victim’s driveway.  After starting the job the victim was instructed by the suspects that they needed to be paid in cash.  One suspect stayed behind to complete the job while the victim rode with the other two suspects to obtain cash. 

After arriving at a nearby bank, the suspects informed the victim the cost of the job would be $5,500 dollars.  The victim entered his bank and withdrew the amount the suspects requested.  ($4,700 is the amount the victim was overcharged after subtracting the $800.00 for the actual job) 

The suspects next drove the victim back to his residence to pick up the 3^rd suspect who stayed behind and completed the job. 

Delaware State Police have contacted other residents in the area and believe the suspects may have defrauded others. 

Fraud Tips:

• Request to see photo identification and write down their information
• Write down vehicle description and registration information
• Have the contractor prepare a written contract
• Ask for nearby references in order to check their previous work
• Be leery of persons advising they have left over asphalt from a job and offering to provide services at a reduced rate.

To offer information regarding this investigation, please contact the Delaware State Police at 302-378-5749 ext 614. Refer to complaint# 09-11-47763

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Citizens may also provide a tip by texting keyword “DSP” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES). 

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Tipsters may also call to provide information through lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Callers can also submit information via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.