To make matters worse, he tried to cheat them out of refunds, police added. Officials say Emmanuel Reyes Montalvo, 41, who also went by the name Miguel Santos, approached some residents in Livingston and Saddle Ridge with offers to build detached garages on the homes. “After signing contracts and receiving nearly $30,000 from the victims upfront, allegedly to purchase materials, the man failed to complete the project,” police said in a statement. “All of the victims requested refunds and the man is believed to have produced false documents as proof of refund before ceasing contact with the victims.” Investigators believe Montalvo used an alias while in the area talking to homeowners. He also claimed to own a company called Custom Renos by Us, police say. A subsequent investigation resulted in charges against Montalvo. He faces four counts of forgery, three counts of fraud over $5,000 and one count of fraud under $5,000. Montalvo is due in court on Dec. 6. In the meantime, police are appealing to the public to identify any other victims. “We encourage anyone who has suffered financial loss as a result of fraud to report it to police by calling the non-emergency number at 403-266-1234,” police said. “If you have received a fraudulent text message, email or phone call, but have not suffered financial loss, please report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.” Anyone with information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers by any of the following methods: TALK: 1-800-222-8477 TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org APP: P3 Tips
