Stamford police have arrested two cousins who are accused of trying to scam an 83-year-old woman out of thousands of dollars.
Police said Anthony Miguel, 23, of Norwalk, and his cousin, Steve Miguel, 35, of Philadelphia, approached the Dunn Avenue woman on Monday and promised her they could fix her overhead door for $4,000.
They then drove the woman to the bank to withdraw the money, but the bank was closed, and the men told her they would come back the next day to pick up the money and start the job.
The woman became suspicious and called police this morning to report the incident as a possible scam and police set up a sting.
The same two men arrived at the woman’s home around 9:30 a.m. and they had no tools, receipt books or contracts that would be necessary to set up a contract.
Anthony and Steve Miguel were charged with criminal attempt at larceny in the second degree and conspiracy.
Police said they believe Steve Miguel was the mastermind and might be part of a larger criminal organization that preys on the elderly.
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He has been arrested several times in the Philadelphia area and charged with burglary, larcenies, deception, identity theft and receiving stolen property.
On June 4, he was arrested in Philadelphia and charged with theft by deception, burglary, home improvement fraud, impersonation and being part of a corrupt organization.
Police said the victim also told police she paid a group of people $35,000 last month to repair her roof and police said they believe that was also a case of deceptive practices. They are investigating.
Anyone who saw these individuals in the Stamford area or are aware of any other victims should call the Stamford Police Property Crimes Division at 203-977-4407.
