Nutley Police Issue Warning About ‘Unethical’ Home Contractors

NUTLEY, NJ — Nutley Police Commissioner Alphonse Petracco and Chief Thomas Strumolo are warning people to be cautious about “scam artists and unethical contractors” after a resident allegedly lost more than $13,000 to a pair of scamsters.

On Thursday, the Nutley Police Department released the following statement about an incident that took place last month:

“Police were called to a Roosevelt Avenue residence on June 15 when a family member reported their relative had been scammed. Police discovered that two men in a sliver Dodge Ram pickup truck knocked on the victim’s door, advising that they were sent there by her brother to repair the driveway. The victim believing the men, withdrew a large amount of money and gave to the ‘contractors.’ They then insisted she needed additional work to the basement and fled with over $13,000 of the victim’s money.”

Nutley authorities continued:

“Detectives observed minor repairs to the basement and fresh tar on the driveway, before they were able to identify at least one of the actors – Andrew Cassidy, 25, from Plainsboro – was charged with theft by deception and has not yet been located. Detectives are still investigating who the other actor is and potentially other victims within the township.”

Strumolo said that solicitors and contractors who go from house to house attempting to sell a product are “generally legitimate,” however, there are those who may be attempting to gain entry or defraud residents out of money.

Petracco said police are “only a phone call away.” He urged residents to contact authorities if they see or believe any activity is “out of the ordinary.”

Anyone with information regarding these actors or who has had a similar incident can contact Nutley police at 972-284-4950.

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