2 New York men arrested in Connecticut for home improvement scam

Connecticut law enforcement agencies are warning residents about home improvement scams. Windsor Locks police arrested two people from out of state for scamming.

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — Windsor Locks police say two men came to a local homeowner’s door offering to seal his driveway for just $500 dollars.

The man paid them, but the contractors never finished the work.

Mitch Delmaro and Paul Delmaro, both from New York, were arrested Wednesday after Windsor Locks police say they scammed a homeowner on Alicia Terrace. 

“They charged them $500, which is a good price for this sort of thing. Then, mysteriously, they decided they don’t have enough materials and they need to go up an additional $600 now making it $1,100,” said Windsor Locks Police Lt. Paul Cherniack.

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Cherniack says once the contractors upped the price, the homeowner refused to give them any more money.

After taking the $500, police say the contractors went just a few blocks over to Gary Road and tried to scam another homeowner. 

This time, officers stopped them before they took any money.

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“Our officers were able to spot them. They were searching and canvassing the area looking for their vehicle, but they did actually find them,” said Cherniack.

Cherniack added that these scams happen often, especially when the weather warms up and more people begin to plan home improvement projects. 

“When people solicit door-to-door like that, we find that there’s a lot of associated issues with that. Sometimes, they’re not licensed, which is the most important thing,” said Cherniack.  

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Cherniack noted that it’s important for residents to verify all contractors hired to do work on their homes.   

“If it seems too good, it’s probably a scam. If you still believe in what they’re selling, help them out first. Ask for their licensing numbers. You can verify that stuff online,” said Cherniack.

The Delmaros are out on bond. They are both charged with larceny and acting as a home improvement contractor without a license.

Alyshia Hercules is a Multi-Skilled Journalist for FOX61 News. She can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Facebook or X.

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