- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Half Moon Bay Today
By the People, for the People
Unlicensed Contractor Accused of Scamming $2.9 Million From Older Couple in Half Moon Bay Pleads Not Guilty
The man targeted an older couple with cognitive issues, prosecutors said.
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A 52-year-old unlicensed contractor named John Wilson has been charged with multiple felonies after allegedly defrauding an older couple in Half Moon Bay, California out of nearly $3 million. Prosecutors say Wilson knocked on the door of the 92-year-old and 82-year-old couple's rural home in 2024 and offered construction services, which the couple agreed to due to their cognitive impairments. The scheme was uncovered in 2025 when the couple's neighbor discovered $2.9 million in payments made to Wilson across 57 checks, far exceeding the value of their home. Wilson has pleaded not guilty and is currently in custody.
Why it matters
This case highlights the vulnerability of older adults with cognitive issues to financial exploitation and fraud, as well as the need for stronger oversight and regulation of the home repair and construction industry to protect consumers, especially those who may be more susceptible to scams.
The details
According to prosecutors, Wilson, an unlicensed contractor, allegedly performed months of extensive and unnecessary repairs on the couple's home, including work on their kitchen, bathroom, basement, and the installation of solar panels. The California State Contractors Board later assessed the value of the work Wilson allegedly performed at just $217,350, a small fraction of the $2.9 million the couple paid him.
- In 2024, Wilson allegedly knocked on the couple's door and offered construction services.
- In March 2025, the couple's neighbor discovered the $2.9 million in payments made to Wilson while assisting them with their taxes.
- On June 15, Wilson is scheduled to return to court for further proceedings.
The players
John Wilson
A 52-year-old San Lorenzo man who is an unlicensed contractor and has been charged with multiple felonies, including theft by false pretenses, for allegedly defrauding an older couple in Half Moon Bay out of nearly $3 million.
Stephen Wagstaffe
The San Mateo County District Attorney who is prosecuting the case against John Wilson.
The 92-year-old and 82-year-old couple
Older residents of Half Moon Bay who were allegedly targeted and defrauded by John Wilson due to their cognitive impairments.
What they’re saying
“We must hold those who prey on vulnerable older adults accountable for their actions.”
— Stephen Wagstaffe, San Mateo County District Attorney (Patch)
What’s next
The judge will decide on June 15 whether to allow John Wilson to be released on bail.
The takeaway
This case underscores the need for stronger consumer protections and oversight in the home repair and construction industry to safeguard older adults with cognitive issues from financial exploitation and fraud.
