Authorities investigating Tulsa Metro Construction of Catoosa

Friday, May 7th 2004, 2:34 pm

By: News On 6

A 90 year old Tulsa woman says her trust has been violated. Tulsa Police say her checkbook was violated, too. Fraud detectives are working on a scam investigation about whether someone seriously overcharged her for home repair work.

News on 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright investigates in hopes of keeping others from the same predicament.

Tulsa contractor Steve Koch: "Says he replaced broken glass and wood." We asked highly recommended and reputable contractors Steve Koch and Mike Buckendorf to check the work done to this house to see if it was done at all and if so, was worth the price charged. Steve Koch: "This invoice is for $38,600 and there isn't $36,800 worth of work on this paper, not even close."

And, this is just one bill. Fraud detectives say Tulsa Metro Construction in Catoosa, received another $11,000 from this same homeowner. She wanted us to protect her identity and she says the workers were polite and often brought her lunch. Victim: "I kept telling everyone, I trust them. They were nice boys and did good work, but they didn't do good work, for something that was broken, they just put some paint on top of it."

These contractors say some of the work listed wasn't done at all. Mike Buckendorf: "I don't see any new caulking anywhere." They say other work wasn't needed and some was done, but not always properly.

Steve Koch: "Everything on this paper should've been done for $8,000 or $9,000." If you need work done, get recommendations, check references or ask a professional organization. And, if they ask for half or all the money up front, no way. And, if they knock on your door and say you need repairs, send them packing.

Unfortunately for this 90 year old victim, her bank account is lighter and her heart is heavier because she trusted someone who now faces a criminal investigation.

Lori Fullbright called Tulsa Metro Construction a half dozen times Friday and left a message, but the News on 6 never heard back from them. Fraud detectives called the News on 6 Friday afternoon and say they just received a second complaint against the same company, this time, the woman is 81 years old and her bill was $26,000.

They say this is the worst time of year for home repair scams.