N.J. Contractor Arrested for Allegedly Stealing $60,000 from Prospective Client

A New Jersey contractor was imprisoned for stealing $60,000 from a homeowner without finishing the job. Nassau County Police arrested 37-year-old Piscataway resident Zohaib Farrukh for grand larceny and plan to defraud on Saturday.

A Uniondale, Long Island resident hired New York City’s North Falcon Construction Company for home upgrades in April 2024. The homeowner gave Mohammed Ali $59,202.50. Then police found Ali was Farrukh’s alias. The money was cashed but the promised work never occurred.

After repeated fruitless attempts to locate Farrukh, the homeowner phoned authorities. Call local police if you suspect fraud. Authorities promise to keep investigations private.

Farrukh was arrested for similar allegations before. A Jersey City resident said that Farrukh, working as J & Z United Construction, received $11,000 but never began work. The homeowner trusted Farrukh’s local presence from Yelp. The homeowner complained to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs because Farrukh was in Pakistan after the start date. Farrukh was fined and ordered to compensate the homeowner.

The Jersey City homeowner has been contacted by at least six additional people who say Farrukh defrauded them and lost tens of thousands of dollars after publishing about his experience online.

A message sent at a number believed to belong to Farrukh has not been returned. Authorities are investigating. Officials recommend checking contractor credentials and performance before large payments.

The case warns homeowners against employing contractors without due diligence and advises them to report fraud to authorities.

Sources:

• Nassau County Police Department press release

• New Jersey Department of Community Affairs consumer complaint records