William Serrano

Painter Handyman Scam Artist takes your money then disappears

14th of Jun, 2012 by bellini

William Serrano, who also goes by the name William Arriaga, claims to be a Master Painter, handyman, or carpenter, and will quote you a very attractive estimate to get the job. He'll say he is broke and is willing to give a lower than market price for the painting or handyman job, if his wife can get a steady household cleaning job from you in the future.

He then does a small portion of the job, but asks for half the money because he says he is broke and really needs the cash. He is accompanied by a woman he claims to be his wife, by the name of either Carol Arriaga, or Olga Arriaga, who offers cleaning services. The are both very charming and presentable, well mannered, and look like "good people". Do not be deceived, because once they get the money, they disappear and make excuses for why they cannot come back to finish the job. He will say she is horrendously sick and he needs to take care of her.

They appear to have multiple cell phone numbers that they keep changing. When he is ready to disappear, he will actually warn you not to call him anymore, because he says, "If you call me on this number I will simply change the number." The last one he provided was 201-204-6823, and 201-204-6771. He will give you his "resume" to look legitimate, with the address of:

139 Wilkinson Ave., #5, Jersey City, NJ 07305

But his real address is:

2684 John F Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City, NJ 07306

On the resume he will show that he used to be a building superintendent in NJ, that he went to James J. Ferris High School in Jersey City, and give you a bunch of bogus references.

He likes to text people and send them photos of him and his wife painting and cleaning, to look professional. He likes to wear very fashionable fedora hats. He is 43 years old, 5' 7", 175 pounds, has dark brown hair and dark brown eyes. His "wife" Olga is 40 years old, also dark brown hair and dark brown eyes. When we asked them for IDs, he gave a "NJ Credibility Status" ID that showed his S.S. and birthdate (born in 1968), however this can be a fake ID. His "wife" Carol showed us an ID that had a different name of Olga Arriaga, with a different address at 229 Van Horne St, Jersey City, NJ, with a birthday (born in 1971). Her ID may be fake as well.

Do not be fooled and do not give them any work or money! We trusted them and even gave them keys to our apartment, and had to change the locks afterwards. Beware!