Arrest Made in Van Nuys Area of Contractor Impersonator Targeting the Elderly

On April 30, 2014, Los Angeles Police Department Van Nuys Area Detectives arrested a man wanted for posing as a contractor, owner and operator of several businesses.  The businesses in question were known as “911 Air Care”, “American Pest Control”, “American Roof Cleaning”, “USA  Pest Control” and “Pacific Air Care”.  Elderly victims were targeted and charged thousands of dollars for extermination and unnecessary repairs on their homes.

During the investigations, detectives learned that suspect Eldad Syton targeted elderly victims throughout the City and County of Los Angeles.  Syton was hired to perform simple extermination work on their home.  Once Syton gained access to the victims’ homes, he told them he discovered evidence of termite and dangerous mold in the walls and ceilings.  Syton intimidated and convinced the elderly victims into paying him thousands of dollars without providing any proof that the work he claimed to have performed was needed, or that he was properly licensed to complete the job.
In one instance, he convinced an 84 year old victim suffering from dementia, and his wife, to apply for a reverse mortgage on their home.  Proceeds from the loan would have paid Syton an additional $50,000 after they had already paid him approximately $50,000.  Syton continuously returned to the victim’s home demanding more money and threatening to foreclose on their property if they did not pay him the outstanding balance.

Syton was arrested in the 12000 block of  Emelita Street in Valley Village without incident.  Syton was booked for 368 P.C. (Theft from Elder or Dependent Adult) and his bail was set at $250,000.

Anyone with additional information, victims or witnesses of Syton’s scams are urged to call Van Nuys Division Detective Marjan Mobasser at 818-374-0053 or Detective Dionne Watts at 818-374-0052.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.