Police Arrest Two British Men Linked to West Metro Roofing Scams
Police say two men posing as roofing contractors — and linked to scams in Robbinsdale and elsewhere around the Twin Cities — have been arrested.
The two men, ages 18 and 20, were arrested this week in Minnetonka thanks to a homeowner who called police on Monday.
“The individual in this case did what we want people to do,” said Minnetonka police Capt. Andy Gardner. “She asked the work crew for identification and more information. When it didn’t make sense, she called the police.”
Minnetonka police say both men arrived from England and are now in federal custody. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security assisted in identifying the pair.
The two suspects are believed to have deliberately damaged homes to secure business. In many cases, police say they would offer free roofing inspections, then provide homeowners with photos of damage that the scammers insisted needed to be repaired.
In the Minnetonka case, the suspects told the homeowner they had drone video footage of damage to her chimney and offered to climb on the roof and inspect it. The homeowner later found broken chimney pieces in her back yard. Police say the homeowner contacted the company listed on a poorly written invoice, Advantage Construction, and discovered the work crew had no connection to the company.
The next day the suspects returned to the Minnetonka home on Sunset Trail. But police were waiting for them as they arrived. Two teenagers traveling with the crew were also taken into protective custody, police said.
Invoice given to Minnetonka homeowner
Robbinsdale Police Warned of Roofing Scammer
Last week Robbinsdale police warned of a roofing scammer who tried to swindle an elderly woman out of $10,000.
According to the Robbinsdale Police Department, a white man with an “Irish accent” approached homeowners with an offer to fix their supposedly damaged roof. The man, who identified himself as “Tony,” provided fake business cards that appear to show his employment with legitimate local roofing companies, police said.
Police said if the homeowners entered into an verbal agreement, the suspect crew would begin dismantling part of the roof, then ask for payment. Sometimes the crew offered to drive the homeowners to the bank to receive payment.
In some cases, police said the scammers left large sections of the victim’s roof unprotected.
Police in Minnetonka are now working with other law enforcement agencies to determine how many cases are out there. Investigators advise residents to be wary of door-to-door traveling contractors offering free inspections, especially during storm season.
“We want to make sure homeowners take a few simple steps when it comes to working with contractors,” Capt. Gardner said. “Ask to see company information and a state license. Don’t sign any contracts before you have verified the information. And, do not pay for any repairs in cash.”
The individuals arrested face a variety of charges including theft and criminal damage to property.
Chimney bricks found after police say scammers visited Minnetonka home
