Kennebunk police charged a Biddeford man following an investigation into a $5,000 home repair fraud that authorities say targeted an 89-year-old man.

Police charged Franklin Dee, 23, of Graham Street, with home repair fraud and violating the transient seller’s registration requirements, both misdemeanors.

Police say Dee had offered to install heat tape on the roof to prevent ice dams and the resident had written $5,000 in checks for the work, but that it hadn’t been started and there was no contract, said Deputy Chief Daniel Jones.

Jones said people should be wary of transient sellers promoting unsolicited home repairs such as asphalt paving, roof repairs and tree trimming or removal. They often will show up unannounced, point out a supposed deficiency in the home and offer to fix it inexpensively, because they are working on another job nearby. They often insist on money up front, might insist the work is an emergency and must be done right away and often insist on cash, he said.

“Legitimate contractors do not feel the need to go door to door to find prospective customers,” Jones said.

During the police investigation, officers encountered Patrick Fecteau, 28, of Roberts Street, Biddeford, and charged him in an unrelated case. Fecteau was charged with failing to appear in court, violating bail conditions and possession of heroin, a felony.

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