Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Man posed as licensed contractor to defraud elderly homeowner

Sewell Man Charged with Defrauding Elderly Woman of $340,000

SEWELL, N.J. – Christopher Fuscellaro, 32, of Sewell, is facing multiple charges for allegedly defrauding an elderly Washington Township woman of $340,000 while posing as a licensed contractor. The thefts reportedly occurred over more than a year, from September 2022 to November 2023.

Fraudulent Home Improvement Scheme

According to a probable cause statement, Fuscellaro was hired by the victim for a small job at her house. He then allegedly persuaded and pressured her into believing that several areas of her home required unnecessary repairs. Fuscellaro is accused of demolishing parts of the residence and continuing to take payments without completing any of the work or bringing any building materials to the home.

The scheme came to light when the victim's daughter brought her to the Washington Township police department in November 2023. Following an eight-month investigation, Fuscellaro was arrested outside his home.

Charges and Investigation

Fuscellaro is charged with theft, theft by deception, and three counts of insurance fraud related to allegedly bogus claims on homeowner and auto policies. The alleged proceeds from insurance fraud are not included in the estimated $340,000 taken from the homeowner. The total also excludes money reportedly obtained fraudulently for purchasing a Polaris Slingshot, a three-wheel motorcycle.

Additionally, Fuscellaro faces charges for failing to register as a contractor with the state Division of Consumer Affairs. He operated businesses known as All Four Seasons Construction and Fuscellaro Construction.

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This case highlights the importance of thorough background checks and continuous monitoring in preventing contractor fraud. Invetech LLC offers advanced background screening and fraud prevention solutions to protect individuals and organizations from fraudulent activities. By utilizing these services, homeowners and businesses can ensure they hire trustworthy contractors and avoid falling victim to similar schemes.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation, conducted by the Washington Township police and the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office, is ongoing. Pennsylvania State Police are also involved, although details of their involvement were not provided.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Prosecutor's Detective Alex Phillips at 856-384-5629.

Fuscellaro is currently held in Salem County Jail, and the charges against him are allegations. He has not been convicted in this case.

For more information on protecting yourself from contractor fraud, visit Invetech LLC's website and explore their range of fraud prevention solutions.

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