Lodi Man Scammed Elderly Driver Out of $2K, Cops Say

An 85-year-old Fort Lee woman was bilked out of nearly $2,000 by a scam artist who claimed he could fix a dent in her car on the cheap, according to borough police.

The woman was driving south on Lemoine Avenue when a male driver pulled up beside her and told her that the door of her vehicle was dented, according to Fort Lee Police Captain Thomas Ottina.

The man, later identified as 36-year-old Rocky Davida of Lodi, then told the 85 year old that he could fix the damages cheaply and persuaded her to pull into the Washington Bridge Plaza.

It’s there that police say Davida offered to repair the dents for $900 and the elderly woman apparently assented.  

Cops say Davida’s wife and child then distracted the victim for nearly an hour as Davida pretended to fix the car before returning to the woman looking for payment. 

The victim then got into Davida’s car and he, along with his wife and child, drove her to a PNC Bank in Hackensack to withdraw money.  

According to Ottina, the victim mistakenly withdrew $1,900 from the bank — instead of the $900 Davida is alleged to have requested — and then handed over the cash. 

They then drove the victim back to her vehicle in Fort Lee, police said.

During an inspection some time later the victim was made aware that the damage to her car had not been fixed, and she notified police. 

On Sunday, June 9, Detectives Howard Ginsburg and Douglas Cabler spotted a man and silver 2012 Dodge Caravan with Florida plates matching the victim’s description at the On The Run on Palisade Avenue. 

Police spoke with the man and identified him as Rocky Davida from Lodi.  

“While interviewing Mr. Davida, he stated that he is a self employed auto repair man and fixes dents.  Davida was then taken to the Fort Lee Police Department for further investigation,” Ottina said. “Davida admitted that he was the one that ‘fixed’ the victims vehicle. Also located in Davida’s vehicle were tools that he used for this scam.”  

Davida was charged with theft by deception, his bail was set by Judge John DeSheplo at $10,000, and he was  transported to the Bergen County Jail.

According to County Jail records Davida, who has prior theft by extortion and theft by deception charges on his record, posted bail and was released Monday evening. 

Ottina warned that this is a type scam frequently preys on the elderly and unknowing persons. 

“It is more common than you think,” Ottina said.  “A few a month come in.” 

He advised that people should be cautious of strangers offering to do work immediately and residents should obtain a quote from the worker on letterhead and verify the contact information before agreeing to let them perform any work or enter their home.

Police said they are hoping to help get the elderly victim her money back when the case goes to court.