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April 1, 2009
Contractor disappears with money
Does anyone know what to do when a contractor disappears with $20K of your money? What is the best recourse? I'm at a loss as to the best strategy. Ideally I'd like to get the money back. He did some demo asked for a bigger check and stupidly I gave it. Now he's gone.
Comments
Is he licensed in NYC? Go through the online process of making a complaint with the city. This will put him in jeopardy of losing his license. He should be in touch with you.
Posted by: guest4 at April 1, 2009 5:39 PM
Release his name here so no one else hires this thief.
Posted by: allans at April 1, 2009 6:59 PM
call the police..that is fraud
Posted by: eman1234 at April 1, 2009 7:58 PM
I'd get a lawyer recommended through a friend who doesn't charge too much and go after the crook with an iron fist. The guy should end up in jail.
Posted by: IronBalls at April 1, 2009 8:00 PM
NYC Dept of Consumer Affairs via 311. Even if he is not licensed, they have the means to shut him down and prosecute him.
I would also go to the State AG and file a complaint.
Posted by: thetinkerswagon at April 1, 2009 10:27 PM
what the tinkerswagon and guest4 said, plus start the paperwork for small claims court and let him know you are doing so.
also, i wouldn't hesitate to "apply pressure to the problem". what i mean by this, is show up at his house every day and ask for your money. you must be a peaceful nuisance every day. start taking a video camera with you and start documenting the facts as the camera is rolling. tell him this is going on the internet, angies list, brownstoner, and several blogs.
if all else fails, what's that guy on channel 11 who helps consumers get their money back, as well as the shame shame shame people (FOX?)?
Pressure to the problem. You have more integrity and resolve than him (repeat it to yourself). Good guys win. So should you.
Posted by: invisible at April 1, 2009 11:06 PM
It's horrible to hear when people get taken like this.
Obviously report them to the authorities and post their details on as many forums as you can get on.
Post an email address that people can contact you with. If you get lucky, someone else might be using them for another project and can give you a way to track them down.
Posted by: the chicken at April 2, 2009 12:23 PM
go after the crook it is fraud call the cops and yes post his name after you put in a complaint with the cops and get clearence from them. good luck
Posted by: meme at April 4, 2009 8:25 PM
I've been thinking about what I wrote here a few days ago and think I gave you poor advice.
Your goal is really to get your money back. If you file a complaint with the City's DCA as I suggested, they may shut him down thereby taking away his only ability to repay you.
I watched a customer of mine go through this with a sidewalk and masonary contractor last summer and she did take the step of going to the DCA, but I don't think she actually filed a formal complaint. I think she said they contacted him and told him what was about to happen; she got most of her money back. I am really not sure exactly how this works; maybe you wish to call them and check your options. I do believe in this case the contractor was unlicensed in the city which really put him in a tough spot.
As for the AG's Office, they will send him a letter. I used this approach with an auto dealer a few years ago and it work for me. The letter they sent was quite intimidating.
I am sorry I was so quick to speak the other day, but I work in this industry and hate hearing about people doing this to their customers.
Call me if you have any questions. I would be glad to contact my customer and find out exactly what she did.
Steve
www.thetinkerswagon.com
347-813-9635
Posted by: thetinkerswagon at April 5, 2009 11:02 AM
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