Arlington Police Arrest Man In Connection With Home Improvement Scam

ARLINGTON, MA — A Boston man was arraigned in court Tuesday after police arrested him in connection with an alleged home improvement scam, Arlington police announced.

The arrest and subsequent charges came just days after police made arrests in another scam targeting an Arlington resident earlier this month. While separate, police said on Tuesday that the two cases are similar.

READ: 3 Men Accused In Connection With Arlington Home Improvement Scam

Jack Clarke, 23, of Boston was charged in this latest case, according to police, after an investigation that began over the weekend.

Police said a resident contacted them on Saturday, Jan. 14 reporting that he believed he was the victim of a construction scam. The resident said two men charged him an excessive amount of money for home improvement work before damaging his property and then not returning to complete repairs, according to police.

Police said the resident reported the men initially quoted him $14,000 to repoint his basement. They began work on the basement only to damage part of the foundation, according to police. Police said the men convinced the victim that new repairs would cost $68,000.

Police said the victim wrote multiple checks covering part of the $68,000 bill, adding that Clarke then cashed the checks.

Police said they arrested Clarke after he returned to the victim’s home to collect tools and other materials left in the basement on Tuesday.

Clarke appeared in Cambridge District Court this week on charges including malicious destruction of property, more than $1,200; larceny by false pretenses, over $1,200; conspiracy and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, according to police. He was released on personal recognizance.

Patch attempted to contact an attorney listed in court documents as representing Clarke. Available phone numbers were not in service.

Contacted on Wednesday afternoon, a police spokesperson said police have identified a second suspect in connection with this scam. The spokesperson said police could not yet announce that individual's identity, though, as charges had not been filed.

Police said home improvement scams where a scammer or scammers quote an initial price for a minor job before damaging property and quoting a new higher price are common.

Scammers often then take payment without completing promised work, according to police.

Police said they previously took three men into custody on Friday of last week in connection with another scam where a resident said a group promised to fix a crack in his front steps for $200. The men later damaged the steps and asked for $6,000, police said.

Arlington Police Chief Julie Flaherty recently encouraged residents to “be aware of this type of scam” and to report any suspicious activity to police.

Residents should be wary of anyone going door-to-door offering services, Flaherty said. Residents should additionally be cautious in allowing people to enter their home or to begin work on their property without first verifying their company.

“Scammers often target seniors or others in our community who are vulnerable, and we will work with the district attorney’s office to prosecute these cases to their fullest extent,” Flaherty said.