Phony South Jersey Contractor Scammed Elderly Victim Out Of $341K: Prosecutor

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ — A man posing as a licensed contractor defrauded an elderly victim out of nearly $350,000, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office (GCPO).

From September 2022 to last November, Christopher Fuscellaro deceived an elderly Washington Township resident, authorities said. The victim lost about $341,000, according to the GCPO.

Fuscellaro portrayed himself as a licensed contractor, operating under the names "Fuscellaro Construction" and "Four All Seasons Construction LLC," the GCPO said.

After an eight-month investigation, he was charged with:

• theft
• theft by deception
• theft by required disposition
• operating as an unlicensed contractor
• three counts of insurance fraud

Fuscellaro, 32, was arrested at about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday outside of his Mantua Township home. He was placed in the Salem County Correctional Facility, which provides jailing services for Gloucester County, pending further legal proceedings.

The investigation remains ongoing. Any witnesses with information regarding this case or anyone who may have fallen victim to Fuscellaro can contact Det. Alex Phillips at 856-384-5529. Information can also be emailed to the GCPO at tips@co.gloucester.nj.us.

Before hiring a contractor, customers should learn about home-improvement scams, which can include shoddy work, damaging your home, overcharging and taking money without performing any services, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Find out more about avoiding home-improvement scams.