MWC Police Warning The Public About Contractor Scam Artists

Police in Midwest City are warning the public about con artists coming to your door and offering to do home improvements, and then taking you for all you’re worth.

Detectives say this is the time of year they start seeing these kinds of scams – and they say these contracting con artists often target the elderly.

Midwest City police introduced us to one couple who had almost their entire life savings wiped out.

“I was giving them a check and I didn't know she was giving them a check,” said Don Schaffer.

Schaffer and his wife have lived in their Midwest City home for more than 20 years. They knew they needed a little work done on their home, so when Steven Gregg and his partner Bradley Chrismon offered to do it for them, they agreed. But the Schaffers failed to get all the repairs in writing.

“We learned the hard way,” said Inez Schaffer.                        

Don says the men repaved the driveway and sidewalk, did some woodwork around the house, fixed up part of the fence, and did some major work inside their home and bathroom too. In all they charged the Schaffer's $162,800 for all they did. And their home is only worth about $80,000.

“They was nice guys, but they were robbing me,” said Don.

Detectives say the contractors only did about $35,000 worth of work, but the contractors and their attorney dispute that. The case is now making its way through the court system.

The Oklahoma County District Attorney's office has already charged Chrismon and Gregg with exploiting the elderly. On Monday they were bound over for trial. But that won't help the Schaffer's get their life savings back.

Karl Landers is the Midwest City police detective who worked on the Schaffer's case and says the public needs to be aware of contractors who go door to door to make sure they are not overcharging people for subpar work.

“Be cognizant,” said Landers. “If you're not the one making contact, check them out.”

Police also recommend for people to check in with their elderly loved ones before they start any home renovations and to get everything in writing before the project starts.

And if you have been scammed and you'd like to report it, call the Midwest City Police Department. They also say you can call the city for a list of reputable contractors that they can recommend.