Abandoned construction, unfinished projects, unusual spending – all part of Amr “Omar” Elrahimy’s multimillion-dollar home improvement scheme now brought to light.
After receiving several consumer complaints, the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) launched an investigation into Elrahimy’s home improvement business practices. Optimum Construction, Inc., Optimum Interiors, Inc. and Elrahimy himself now face over $4 million dollars in restitution.
Committing nearly 5,000 consumer protection law violations, Elrahimy and his companies engaged in “widespread deceptive practices,” according to OCP’s July 16 news release.
On the extent of the damage done by Elrahimy and his businesses, OCP said “[the] level of deceit by Elrahimy is breathtaking in its scope.”
Self-proclaimed philanthropist Elrahimy spent an “extraordinary” amount of corporate funds on “personal expenses and unrelated business expenses,” OCP said.
Regarding Elrahimy’s scheme, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said in the news release, “People deserve to get what they paid for, and when they don’t, we have a responsibility to step in and do something about it.”
Elrich suggests consulting with OCP when doing research about a contractor.
He also encourages anyone who was scammed by Elrahimy’s to contact OCP at 410-528-8662 or consumer@oag.state.md.us.
Learn more and read the full news release here.
