Fake Contractor Accused of Taking Thousands, Leaving Homes Damaged

By Ciara Perez, Senior Multimedia Correspondent

iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published March 26th, 2026

Mesa Police: Man Arrested in Alleged Contractor Fraud Scheme Targeting Homeowners

🔎 Quick Facts:

Suspect: Edward Carr, 45
Arrest Date: March 23, 2026
Location: Mesa and Phoenix Valley
Allegations: Contractor fraud scheme using fake identities
Estimated Losses: Over $100,000
Charges: Fraudulent schemes, theft, forgery, contracting without a license
Police: Believe there may be additional victims

MESA, Ariz. — Mesa Police detectives are urging the public to come forward after arresting a man accused of running a multi-year contractor fraud scheme that left homeowners with unfinished work and major financial losses.

According to investigators, 45-year-old Edward Carr was taken into custody on March 23, 2026, following an investigation into a series of scams targeting residents across Mesa and the greater Phoenix area.

Detectives say Carr allegedly posed as a licensed contractor, using fake names and responding to job postings on social media to find potential victims. To appear legitimate, he reportedly used real subcontractors’ Registrar of Contractors license information, often obtained from workers at local stores and warehouses.

Once hired, investigators say Carr would require upfront payment before any work began. Subcontractors would initially start projects, but police say Carr would later claim additional work was needed and demand more money from homeowners.

Authorities allege that Carr then cut off communication with subcontractors, refused to pay them, and falsely terminated their involvement, all while continuing to collect money from the victims.

The result, according to detectives, left many homeowners paying tens of thousands of dollars beyond their original agreements, often ending up with unfinished or poor-quality work and significant damage to their homes.

So far, investigators estimate that Carr has defrauded victims of more than $100,000, but believe the true number could be higher as additional cases come forward. Detectives also suspect Carr may have been operating similar schemes for several years under multiple aliases.

Edward Carr / MCSO

Carr is now facing multiple charges, including fraudulent schemes, theft, forgery, and engaging in contracting without a license.

Police say the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone who believes they may have been affected to contact the Mesa Police Department at (480) 644-2211. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call (480) WITNESS.