PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — An Irish national accused of defrauding homeowners in Rhode Island and Massachusetts is now facing federal charges, according to acting U.S Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. John O'Brien, 28, was arrested last week by federal agents and is currently being held on an immigrati on detainer for overstaying a tourist visa. He's been charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Prosecutors said O'Brien bilked homeowners out of hundreds of thousands of dollars through his purported contracting business, Traditional Masonry and Construction. He would allegedly convince people to pay for repairs that were not needed and often not completed. "They would knock on the door of a homeowner and identify something that needed repair," Miron Bloom explained. "They would then find other problems and propose that much more massive work was done and more expensive work was needed." TARGET 12: Irish national arrested in Warwick, held by ICE as authorities allege construction fraud An affidavit filed in U.S. District Court described accounts from nine victims who claimed that O'Brien would gain someone's trust to work on their home, then increase the cost of repairs as time went on. Prosecutors said that O'Brien would also intentionally damage people's property. The investigation began last Thursday when an 83-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran reached out to Warwick police, according to charging documents. Don Fife told Target 12 that O'Brien pointed out cracks in his foundation while working on a neighbor's home. He said it would cost $4,000 to fix, according to Fife, but the cost eventually rose to $9,500, which Fife paid. Over time, Fife told investigators that the price continued to increase to $95,000. "I'm 83 and all the stress is ridiculous," Fife said. O'Brien's attorney, Kensley Barrett, said his client was kept in the dark regarding his situation until Thursday, when he learned there was a warrant out for his arrest. Barrett said they believe the charges are "due to a total misunderstanding and/or contractual dispute." Miron Bloom said what the Irishman is accused of doing is known as "traveling conman fraud," which is becoming more prevalent in the United States. The FBI's Terrorist Screening Center explained that these travelers are groups of Irish or U.K. nationals who enter the United States and overstay their visit or enter the country illegally. They then go to different cities and states soliciting construction work and demand money from homeowners. "We are really now focusing on trying to get to the bottom of some of these scams and see whether there are ways to more effectively prevent them in the future," Miron Bloom added. Anyone who believes they may have fallen victim to traveling conman fraud is urged to report it to Homeland Security Investigations by emailing HSINewEnglandVictimAssistance@hsi.dhs.gov. Sarah Bawden contributed to this report. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media:                     Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less