Niagara Regional Police say they have made an arrest and charged a man with fraud in relation to a Marketplace contractor scam.
In May of 2024, detectives with the Central Fraud Unit with the Niagara Regional Police Service began an investigation into a fraud that occurred involving a contractor and Facebook Marketplace in Niagara Falls.
Investigation revealed the victim was looking to hire a contractor to renovate their kitchen. The victim located a contractor on Facebook Marketplace, under the business name of Beaverdam Dezigns, and hired him to complete the work.
The victim transferred funds to the suspect who advised it was being used to buy materials however the renovation was never completed.
As a result of the investigation, detectives determined the suspect had no intention of completing the renovation and on August 1, 2024, the suspect was arrested.
Randolf G. LUKEN (65 years old) of St. Catharines was arrested and charged with the following offences:
Fraud Over $5,000
Fail to Comply with Undertaking
LUKEN was held in custody pending a bail hearing that is expected to take place at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church Street in the City of St. Catharines.
Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009299.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest
