A Tampa man is facing charges after investigators say he took $4,000 from an 88-year-old Palm Coast woman for ductwork he never completed.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, arrested Amjad Otor, 32, of Tampa, on charges of organized scheme to defraud and theft from a person 65 years of age or older. He was released from the Broward County Jail on a $10,000 bond.
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How the alleged scam unfolded
In February, investigators say the victim hired a company doing business as Universal Air Duct Cleaning LLC to clean ductwork in her Palm Coast home. Two men arrived in an unmarked, dark-colored Chevrolet pickup truck, cleaned part of her system and charged her $500. They then told her some of her ductwork needed to be replaced and offered to complete that work for $5,000 — if she paid half upfront, with part of that payment in cash.
Otor, who investigators say also gave the victim a false name, took $1,000 in cash and showed the woman a new piece of ductwork he claimed would be installed. He later told her the work was complete and collected two additional checks totaling $3,000.
Suspicious of the work, the victim asked her handyman to inspect the job. The handyman determined no one had been in the attic and the damaged duct had never been replaced. When the victim called the company to request they return and complete the work, they stopped answering her calls, investigators say. She reported the fraud in March.
Investigation leads to arrest
Through the investigation, detectives say they determined Otor was the registered owner of the vehicle used during the service call and that the victim’s checks had been deposited into the company’s bank account.
With help from Seniors vs. Crime — a partnership between the FCSO and the Florida Attorney General’s Office — the victim had a certified inspector examine her ductwork. The inspector confirmed the ducts were never replaced. The victim then identified Otor in a photo lineup as the man she had paid.
Detectives say they also worked with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which confirmed the company is out of business, holds no current license and carries an “F” rating with the Better Business Bureau, with multiple complaints of unfinished work. The company’s owner hired Otor as a subcontractor.
The FCSO’s General Assignment Unit obtained a warrant for Otor’s arrest Aug. 12.
Sheriff warns residents: ‘When they ask for cash, run’
Sheriff Rick Staly had a pointed message for would-be scammers — and for residents looking to protect themselves.
“This fake AC repairman sold an 88-year-old woman nothing but hot air and took $4,000 for it,” Staly said. “It is a disgusting lowlife that would take advantage of anyone, but especially a senior. Remember to always thoroughly research companies you plan to do business with and never pay in cash, no matter how great the deal may be. When they ask for cash, run. That’s another sign of a fraud. Construction scammers beware; we treat fraud like the crime it is!”
How to protect yourself from contractor fraud
Before allowing anyone into a home to perform work, officials recommend confirming the contractor holds a valid state license at myfloridalicense.com. Residents should get the full scope of work, the price and the completion date in writing before anything starts.
Reputable companies do not pressure customers into paying most of the money upfront, and they do not ask for cash. Paying by check or credit card creates a paper trail and the final payment should be held until the work has been confirmed as complete by the homeowner or a trusted third party. Homeowners should also have lien releases signed when a contractor acknowledges payment for materials and workers — otherwise, under Florida law, they could end up paying twice.
Tip line open for additional victims
The investigation remains active and additional charges are pending. Anyone who paid Universal Air Duct Cleaning LLC or Amjad Otor for work that was never completed is encouraged to call the FCSO non-emergency line at 386-313-4911.