Since the announced arrest of 36-year-old Benjamin Dever on August 18, 2015, for fraud schemes, 3 additional victims have been identified in separate fraud schemes involving suspect Dever.
On August 19, 2015, a victim contacted detectives and reported the loss of $5100 from a scam involving suspect Dever. Detectives learned Dever was sent to inspect a Chino Valley home on Parama Lane in late July of this year and take photos for proposed remodeling work on behalf of a contractor. Instead, Dever represented himself as the contractor to the homeowner and quoted a cost estimate of $5137 for the work. Dever indicated there would be a cash discount if the homeowner paid in full up front. The victim noted that Dever mentioned his daughter had cancer and the insurance was not covering the treatment. By July 29th, the homeowner had written Dever $5137 in checks for work not yet started.
Detectives learned that during this time Dever convinced the actual contractor not to take the remodel job. On August 19, 2015, the homeowner called the contractor to find out when the remodel would begin as he had already paid for the job. The contractor was not aware of any payment and told the homeowner Dever had taken his money under false pretense.
Detectives also confirmed with Dever’s wife that their daughter does not have cancer.
On August 19, 2015, detectives were contacted by the Chino Valley Police Department regarding a rental scam involving suspect Dever. A female reported Dever contacted her on an internet dating site using the name “Troy.” She told him she was a single mother and was looking for a house to rent. Dever replied that he had a “big heart for single mothers” and offered to help and stated he was in the business of ‘flipping houses.’ On August 13, 2015, Dever showed her a home on Cactus Wren Drive in Chino Valley. As with the first victim from the Meadow Lane incident (see the original media release for details), Dever had access to the property based on work photographing homes for a property preservation company. Without any legal standing to do so, Dever offered to rent the victim the Cactus Wren Drive house based on a $740 dollar move in payment. Within 2 days, she had paid Dever $740. Her kids were excited about the home and had already picked out their bedrooms.
On August 15, 2015, the victim and her family went to the Cactus Wren Drive home intending to move in but upon arrival, noticed some else moving items into the home. She called Dever and he apologized for the mix up which he blamed on the current property owner. Dever then offered to show her a home on Meadow Lane in Prescott with 3 months free rent provided due to the mix up. The victim became suspicious of Dever, called the actual real estate agent for the Meadow Lane home and discovered Dever had scammed her.
Detectives located another victim from Prescott Valley who explained that in early August of this year, she met Dever on a dating website and eventually in person. When she began dating Dever, he told her about his desire to buy a construction company and asked to borrow cash to help with the purchase. She eventually agreed and turned over $1400 to help with the initial payment. Dever agreed to give her a 35% stake in the company for the help. No such purchase was ever intended and she now realizes Dever had scammed her.
New additional charges include 2 counts of Theft, Fraud Schemes, 2 counts of Burglary, and Attempted Fraud Schemes. Dever remains in-custody on a parole hold and is not eligible for bond.
Detectives continue to seek any additional persons who may have been victimized by Dever. Please contact Detective Ross Diskin at 928-777-7389.