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New York victim recounts losing nearly $1M to Irish scammer
A New York woman, identified only as Jane, told the BBC she was defrauded of nearly $1 million by a member of The Travelling Conmen, a UK and Irish crime group specializing in construction scams. The FBI has classified the group as a transnational organized crime operation.
How the scam unfolded
Jane said the ordeal began in autumn 2022 when a man with an Irish accent, later identified as Darren Cunningham (using the alias Patrick Dundon), approached her at her New York home offering construction services. After performing more work than agreed, he demanded $65,000 for bricks-though an invoice later revealed the actual cost was only $25,000.
Months later, another man-referred to as Mr. Bling due to legal constraints-arrived at her door, claiming the project was delayed due to unresolved issues. He persuaded Jane to lend him $200,000, allegedly threatening her children's safety if she refused. She wrote three checks, expecting repayment by the following Sunday-a promise that was never fulfilled.
Funds traced to luxury jewelry purchases
In a desperate attempt to recover her losses, Jane sent additional money to a company called Troy Construction, which she later discovered was a front. The funds were redirected to a jeweler in New York's Diamond District. Within days, Mr. Bling's family flaunted new luxury items on social media, including a 10-carat diamond ring.
"It's not only humiliating and devastating-it crushes your soul," Jane told BBC Spotlight NI.
Other victims share similar experiences
Ginia Hines, a Connecticut resident, lost $50,000 to James Dinnigan, a member of The Travelling Conmen who posed as Charlie Ward. Dinnigan, who has since been jailed, initially gained Hines' trust by pretending to be a devout Christian. After 10 days of work billed at $5,000 per day, he left her property in disrepair.
"They left my yard a mud pile with boulders dug up from around the house. It had no value-it was actually a negative," Hines said.
Michael Berard of Massachusetts lost $500,000 to two men operating under the aliases Jack Murphy and George Adams. The pair convinced him his home's foundation was cracked, pressuring him into paying for unnecessary repairs. Berard described them as "magicians" whose lies were "so convincing."
FBI warns of ongoing threat
While some members of The Travelling Conmen, including Dinnigan and Elijah Gavin, are now in custody, FBI Special Agent Ethan Via told BBC Spotlight NI that new groups continue to emerge.
"Barely a month goes by that I don't get a call about a new group or a new batch of victims," Via said.
Victims struggle with aftermath
Jane said she still grapples with the psychological toll of the scam, admitting she had no control over her actions at the time.
"If someone asked me 'why did you hand over the money?' I just... I don't know," she said.
The BBC reached out to Cunningham and Mr. Bling for comment but received no response.
