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# Man defrauds elderly resident, police search for suspect
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/man-defrauds-elderly-resident-police-search-for-suspect/
- Published: 2002-03-22T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T00:09:37.000Z
- Author: Andrew Fixmer
- Tags: Crime, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*‘Roofer’ ran off with roughly $3,000 in tools and cash*

A senior citizen was defrauded of nearly $3,000 last week when a man said he would fix the victim’s roof but ran off with the money and tools without making any repairs.

Santa Monica police officers responded to a call last Saturday at 7:45 a.m. that a man had approached the victim, whose name and address are being withheld by police, and offered to repair the roof of his home.

However, when the victim gave the suspect tools he purchased for the job and money to buy lumber, the would-be roofer drove off and never returned.

“The man notified the police department several days later,” said police department spokesman Lt. Frank Fabrega. “Actually, his daughter is the one who finally called the police.”

The police have not offered a description of the suspect, who they are charging with fraud and grand theft.

Elderly residents often times are targeted by people running these kinds of scams because they live alone or are physically unable to make the repairs themselves, police said.

Elderly victims of fraud generally do not want to report the incidents to police because they are embarrassed that they let themselves be fooled, Fabrega said.

The police department recommends the following tips before choosing a roofing professional: • Never agree to pay for services from an unknown home improvement provider simply because they have a “today only” offer. • Seek at least three bids on any project, and ask each contractor for references. • Older residents or those living alone are advised to have a friend or family present to hear the presentation. • Contact the Better Business Bureau for history and reliability on each company and contractor. • Never sign a contract that you have not read and understand. • Keep in mind that the lowest bid is not always the best choice. Persons with information regarding similar scams or with questions should contact the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8474.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 22, 2002.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/032202.pdf?ref=smdp.com)