UNIONDALE HOMEOWNER LEFT DEVASTATED AS “CONTRACTOR” COLLARED IN $60K SCAM.
UNIONDALE, N.Y. — A home renovation dream turned into a financial nightmare when a woman trying to create space for her aging mother allegedly got fleeced out of nearly $60,000 — a scheme that ended with police slapping cuffs on a New Jersey man now accused of running a slick construction con.
This wasn’t just a bad job. This was a total vanishing act, a blueprint for betrayal, and the kind of case that leaves detectives shaking their heads.
Welcome to the latest chapter in America’s growing epidemic: contractors who take the cash and ghost the work.
THE PROMISE THAT BECAME A TRAP
The victim, a Uniondale homeowner with a big heart and bigger plans, thought she found the right contractor to help expand her home so her elderly mother could move in. The plan was simple — a remodel, some upgrades, and a safe space for family.
Instead, prosecutors say she walked straight into a professionally crafted scam.
He introduced himself with authority, flashed what looked like legitimate business paperwork, and presented himself as a man who gets things done. The homeowner did her due diligence — online searches, name checks — and found nothing alarming.
That’s because the danger wasn’t online.
It was standing right in front of her.
THE ACCUSED: A SHADOW BUSINESSMAN WITH A THICK PAPER TRAIL
Investigators say the man behind the operation is Zohaib Farrukh, 37, a New Jersey resident who portrayed himself as the owner of “North Falcon Construction Company” — a business prosecutors now suggest never operated as advertised.
He allegedly used an alias to take the payment — nearly $60,000 in total — while promising deadlines, demolition dates, and a full plan for transforming the home.
Except not a single nail was hammered.
Not a single wall was touched.
Not even a paint swatch broke the silence.
Instead, Farrukh allegedly disappeared, leaving nothing but unanswered calls, stalled promises, and a homeowner staring at receipts for work that never arrived.
THE ARREST — AND AN UNEXPECTED COURT TWIST
Authorities tracked Farrukh down and arrested him, charging him with grand larceny for the alleged scheme. But the courtroom delivered its own twist: Farrukh claimed he is bankrupt.
Bankrupt — yet allegedly walking off with tens of thousands of dollars entrusted for a family’s future.
He entered a not-guilty plea and was released pending his next court date. Meanwhile, detectives are publicly asking: Are there more victims?
Because scams like this don’t just happen once.
They spread.
A CRIME BEYOND MONEY — A BETRAYAL OF TRUST
For the victim, this wasn’t just a financial hit.
This was emotional wreckage.
She wasn’t looking for luxury renovations. She wasn’t chasing a home makeover fantasy. She wanted a space for her mother — a gesture of love, loyalty, and care. Nearly $60,000 was supposed to build security.
Instead, it bought heartbreak.
She now stands with nothing but frustration, delays, and the knowledge that someone exploited her kindness.
HOW THIS HAPPENED — AND WHY IT HAPPENS EVERY DAY
Contractor fraud is one of the fastest-growing crimes in home improvement, especially as construction costs rise and homeowners become more desperate for help. Scammers thrive on urgency, trust, and the promise of “quick starts” if you pay fast.
Here’s how they hook victims:
- They use official-sounding business names
- They create pressure with tight deadlines
- They offer discounts for upfront payments
- They avoid written contracts or change them last-minute
- They dodge inspections and permits
When money flows before sawdust falls, homeowners become easy marks.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: PROTECT YOUR HOME, YOUR MONEY, YOUR FAMILY
If you’re planning renovations, remember this:
1. Never pay large sums upfront.
Reputable contractors use milestone payments, not single bulk checks.
2. Verify licenses — not just names.
Contractor numbers, insurance, and state credentials matter.
3. Demand a written contract.
Scope, deadlines, materials, cancellation terms — all of it.
4. Don’t fall for aliases or separate payees.
Money should go to the registered business only.
5. Document everything.
Photos, messages, dates — scammers hate paper trails.
THE AFTERMATH
The case now moves forward in court, but the victim is left with the hardest question:
Who do you trust when the person who promised to build you a home instead tears down your faith?
For now, the accused contractor waits for his next hearing. The victim waits for justice. And homeowners everywhere get a chilling reminder: