Con artists believed to be part of the infamous “Irish Travelers” have been scamming elderly Queens residents out of their cash.
In what has become an annual springtime ruse, the scammers pose as transient contractors and target seniors, in this case telling them that they spotted a serious issue with their roof while working on a neighbor’s home and that it needs to be immediately fixed.
They then pretend to seal the shingles by simply spraying silver paint on them and charging several thousand dollars.
“I was a little alarmed that something had happened to my roof because of all the rain and wind we’ve been having,” said a 79-year-old Middle Village woman who admitted she “willingly fell for” the scam.