scam
At least four people have been ripped off by a man claiming to be a painter but police believe more have been targeted.
They want people to be vigilant and to come forward if they have also been approached by a man offering to carry out painting.
Sergeant John Cassidy said people should not pay for any work before it is completed.
“We’ve had four or five calls within the last couple of months, we believe he’s going around the city,” Mr Cassidy said.
“These complaints started in Ngongotaha and we’ve had calls from Kawaha Point. He targets the same kind of people – the elderly and vulnerable.
“Do not hand over any money before the painting is done. If you are suspicious about someone, give us a call.”
He said the man is Maori, in his 50s, of stocky to solid build and about 170cm tall.
“He communicates in a very plausible manner and makes out he is doing you a favour, but demands that you make a payment up front. If you do, then that is the last you will hear or see of him. We believe he has probably targeted more than who has called us to report this.”
He said the man tends to approach people during daytime hours during the week.
The man’s actions have caused such concern that the Rotorua police’s intelligence section and Neighbourhood Support issued an email alert to residents yesterday.
“This person currently doing the rounds has been operating this scam in Rotorua for years … If he has approached you, please contact the police,” the email alert said.
There has been similar offending in Rotorua before. In November, a man was convicted of fraud after being paid $400 for a painting job he did not do. The man admitted obtaining by deception and was sentenced to community work.
After the owner gave him a cheque to buy paint, he disappeared.
scam