$18K Scam: Contractor Took Area Homeowner's Money, Never Did Work, Police Say

A homeowner in the region claims they were scammed out of thousands of dollars by a contractor who never actually did any work.

Dakota Smith, age 28, is accused of defrauding a Clifton Park homeowner out of more than $18,000.
Photo Credit: *Mechanicville Police Department*

Michael Mashburn

09/15/2023 10:30 a.m.

Saratoga County resident Dakota Smith, age 28, of Malta, was arrested Wednesday, Sept. 13, on fraud and larceny charges, according to State Police.

Troopers determined that Smith, who owns DAS Builders & Remodeling LLC, entered into an agreement with the Clifton Park homeowner for a renovation project.

The homeowner contacted police in June 2023 saying they gave Smith a deposit of over $18,000 but he never started the work or purchased the needed materials.

When the homeowner asked for their money back, Smith reportedly refused.

“Further investigation determined this is an ongoing course of conduct for Smith,” troopers said.

Smith surrendered at the State Police facility in Clifton Park and was charged with grand larceny and scheme to defraud.

He was issued an appearance ticket to the Clifton Park Town Court on Thursday, Sept. 28 and was released from custody.

Smith’s arrest comes after a WRGB investigation found that he stole thousands of dollars from more than a dozen clients. He is also charged with falsifying an insurance document in Mechanicville.

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