Police: Roofing scammer conned victims out of thousands

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - Police in Gwinnett County are searching for a suspected scammer who conned at least two victims out of thousands of dollars.

According to Gwinnett County police, Buford resident Eric Lopez was hired by one victim in Snellville to replace her roof after she filed an insurance claim in December of last year.

Police say Lopez, who operates Renaissance Construction out of Buford, convinced the woman to sign over her insurance check of over $7,000 to him for "materials for the job" and then never returned. The victim attempted to contact him, at which time police say he made excuses and then stopped answering completely.

While police were investigating that case, they discovered that Lopez had already scammed another victim in Lilburn out of over $10,000 in the same way. Lopez told the victim he needed the check for the replacement roof and then stopped contact.

Officials say Lopez, who is in his 20s, contacts his victims through referrals and door-to-door solicitations. They believe there may be more victims out there. 

Police have now taken felony warrants out for his arrest for theft by conversion. Officials believe he may still be operating scams in the metro Atlanta area.

If you have any information that could help police, please call detectives at 770-513-5300 or Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477).

%INLINE%