Elderly Woman Scammed Repeatedly By Phony Roof Contractor: Police

NORTH NEW HYDE PARK, NY — A New Jersey man is accused of repeatedly scamming an elderly resident of North 4th Street out of money by convincing her she needed to repair her roof, police said.

According to detectives, the woman, 74, said she was approached at her residence on June 26 by a stranger, who advised her that her roof needed repairs. He represented himself as a roof contractor and instructed her on several occasions to withdraw money from her bank account.

In total, she withdrew about $85,000, police said.

Finally she grew suspicious and contacted a family member who called 911.

After a thorough investigation, Danny Burton, 26, was arrested without incident on Monday in front of the victim’s residence, police said.

Burton, of 410 S. Randolphville Road in Piscataway, was charged with second degree grand larceny, second degree criminal mischief, fifth degree conspiracy and two counts of Scheme to Defraud.

He was arraigned on Tuesday at 99 Main Street, Hempstead.

The Nassau County Police Department urges the community to be on alert and to remind vulnerable family members, friends and neighbors about potential scams or fraud.

Detectives request anyone with information on the above listed crime to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or call 911. All callers will remain anonymous.