Man arrested on charges of fraud, preying on the elderly

The Orlando Police Department arrested a man Friday on charges of preying on the elderly and fraud. 

• Man arrested on charges of fraud, preying on the elderly
• Michael Auxier scammed elderly via fake home improvement ads

Police said Michael Auxier had placed ads in the phone book advertising as an electrical contractor under the company names "Amber Electrical Contractors and Southern Electric." 

Officials said Auxier would prey on the elderly by using the yellow pages to find customers. 

When a customer called, officials said they would speak with Auxier's wife Marie Avare, who would then schedule the appointments. 

The customers were told that "Dave," really Michael Auxier, would be the contractor. 

Auxier would visit the home and begin to find other electrical issues throughout the residence. 

According to officials, he would tell the customer the house was struck by lightning and the electrical wires were "hot." Auxier would then tell the customer to call the insurance company because it is covered. 

Auxier would speak with the insurance agent explaining the problem and a claim would be filed. 

While the insurance company made payments to the customer, the customer would continue to pay more money than what is covered. 

Officials said one victim was paid $12,00 by the insurance company but paid Auxier $23,000. 

For each new problem the customer would write one check to "Amber Auxier," which is the name of his 15-year-old daughter, officials said. 

Auxier would then have the customer write a check in the name of the workers for the supplies needed. The customer ended up writing numerous checks over the course of the fraud.  

Auxier would bring different workers to each residence, all whom have criminal records and drug problems.  

Officials said it is unknown if any work was actually done or if the home is safe. 

Auxier does not have a electrical license and no permits are pulled for any of the work. Officials said the names used for the companies are old companies that have either closed or are renamed. 

Auxier is charged with grand theft, acting as a contractor without a license, performing construction on real property without a permit, and financial exploitation of the elderly. 

Auxier and his wife currently have active warrants out of the state of Louisiana for residential contractor fraud, according to the report. 

Auxier has also served time in Kentucky for the same kind of fraud charges. 

He is currently being transported to the Seminole County Jail. 

Police are asking anyone else who may have been a victim to come forward.