Jan. 9, 2026 — Redmond, Wash. Redmond Police Department detectives issued an alert warning residents after a homeowner in the Education Hill neighborhood lost $298,000 to two adult white males with Irish accents posing as door-to-door roofing contractors on Dec. 30, 2025.
The suspects claimed to represent a legitimate local business, performed uninspected roofing work, and pressured the victim into paying for a new roof amid claims of urgent additional repairs, according to the department’s official alert.
Authorities believe the incident fits a pattern of similar frauds involving initial low-price offers that escalate to demands for unnecessary work.
Redmond Police Department detectives are urging community members to be vigilant after a Redmond resident was scammed out of nearly $300,000 in a fraudulent roofing and construction scheme.
Redmond police are investigating a roofing scam that left a homeowner out nearly $300,000 and are warning residents to be on alert. https://t.co/ClXqA495mO
— Earthquake Red Zone Needed in Washington State (@Knight172) January 11, 2026
The KIRO 7 report, published the same day at 4:03 p.m. PST and attributing details to police detectives, described how the men completed the job without proper inspection before demanding payment. It originated from MyNorthwest.com coverage by Aaron Granillo, which echoed the suspects’ tactics of luring victims with reasonable quotes.
Detectives are investigating multiple cases with identical methods and urged precautions, including obtaining at least three estimates, verifying contractors via the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, requiring written contracts and permits, and avoiding full upfront payments or pressure tactics. Residents should call 911 for threats or unauthorized roof access, or the non-emergency line at 425-556-2500 with tips or video evidence.
Detectives urge residents to be wary of anyone soliciting them for roofing, construction, or masonry work.
The scam drew syndicated attention on Yahoo News and Newsbreak, while Crimeworld.com on Jan. 10 highlighted potential links to international roofing frauds by Irish-linked groups, citing U.S. cases like Elijah Gavin’s $1 million scams and Australian offender Michael Connors.
A Seattle News Today podcast episode on Jan. 10 recapped the incident and police warnings.
Social media mentions remain limited, with one X post on Jan. 11 sharing the KIRO story: https://x.com/i/status/2010325193777180941
