A growing fraud scheme involving so-called travelling conmen has increasingly targeted homeowners across the northeastern United States, authorities and experts say, exploiting cultural connections and sophisticated tactics to swindle millions of dollars.

The case of Salis Hanrahan, an Irish Traveller who was fatally shot recently under disputed circumstances, has brought renewed attention to these ongoing scams. Hanrahan, who entered the US illegally, was reportedly working on a contract with his family when the incident occurred. Supporters have petitioned for “swift American justice,” arguing that he was a victim of anti-Romani discrimination. The circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation.

The fraud involves itinerant groups, often with roots in Irish Traveller communities, who target largely Irish-American homeowners. According to Todd Spodek, a New York defense attorney experienced with cases involving these groups, the conmen use a combination of charm, cultural familiarity, and deceptive tactics to gain trust. They often bring gifts reminiscent of the “old country,” such as shamrocks or Guinness beer, and engage elderly clients with personable stories, fostering a sense of kinship and credibility.

Once trust is established, the groups employ a range of methods, from minor initial repairs to elaborate fabrications of home damage, in order to secure large payments. FBI investigators have reported instances in which fraudsters artificially create pest infestations by deliberately putting dead rodents in home crawl spaces to bolster claims of necessary repairs. The conmen also exaggerate structural issues like foundation cracks, pressuring victims into costly and often unnecessary work.

Several high-profile prosecutions highlight the scope of the problem. In November 2025, Elijah Gavin, a British national with previous convictions, was sentenced to four years in the US after defrauding more than $1 million. Gavin’s victims included a New York church and a Rhode Island widow who paid over $850,000 for unneeded foundation and basement repairs.

Similarly, John O’Brien, a 28-year-old from Dublin, pleaded guilty to fraud charges in Rhode Island, accused of cheating millions from New England homeowners. One victim, Leslie Schuster, a university professor, said she was pressured into agreeing to costly basement repairs until a second opinion revealed no need for work.

Authorities also continue to seize assets linked to these scams. In January 2024, police stopped a vehicle containing $70,000 in cash and two Rolex watches hidden in socks, which were confiscated under court order. The individuals, Michael McInerney and Crystel O’Reilly—both found to be in the US illegally—were connected to multiple complaints involving overcharging and unfinished projects.

Experts note that the conmen often complete initial small jobs competently, further misleading victims and complicating prosecution efforts. Earnings from their fraud are frequently laundered through purchases of high-value items like gold, diamonds, and luxury watches, which are then smuggled out of the US.

While the recent violent death of Hanrahan is described by legal experts as an outlier in this ongoing issue, it may increase public awareness of the risks associated with hiring unfamiliar contractors. Officials and advocates caution homeowners, especially those with cultural ties to Irish heritage, to exercise heightened vigilance when seeking home repair services.