Oceanside CA— In April 2016, Yair Zilberman contacted the 96-year-old victim in a senior neighborhood of Oceanside and provided the victim a quote for multiple services related to air duct replacement and insulation. Zilberman operated under the company name “American Way Remodeling” and the victim was provided a quote for a home improvement project. Zilberman completed a portion of the work but stopped after claiming the victim had mold in his attic. Zilberman took the victim to the bank where $15,000 was withdrawn to remediate the mold. It was later determined there had never been any mold. Zilberman initially agreed to refund the victim’s money but sent a check with insufficient funds.
On June 13th, 2016, Zilberman was taken into custody in Los Angeles County by Oceanside Police Detectives. It was later determined Zilberman had also been involved with a recent similar incident in Escondido. He was ultimately booked into the Vista Detention Facility for PC 368(d) Financial Elder Abuse and a parole violation.
The Oceanside and Escondido Police Departments are investigating to determine if there are other unreported incidents and/or victims.
Potential victims or witnesses are asked to call Oceanside Police Detective Karla Williams at (760) 435-4771 or Escondido Police Detective John LaRose at 760-835-4730.
Suspect Arrested for Elder Abuse in Contractor Scam
June 16, 2016