Originally Posted by Phobia (Post 9187066)

You wouldn't do business me then. We make and agree upon a sensible payment schedule before work commences. That way if you get hit by a bus or are trying to take advantage of me, I don't lose my house. If I get hit by a bus or am trying to take advantage of you, you're not hurt too badly either. I can't buy $5k worth of material and then float you a loan while paying for the labor to have it all installed. There's a reasonable compromise and if you do business with reputable people who have real businesses your risk is minimal. If you do business with people from craigslist or want ads, you're going to be screwed more often than not. I've been hurt a whole lot worse by deadbeat clients than this guy was screwed by a scam artist.

Originally Posted by CLX (Post 9187426)

When I've done work with contractors that needed material and wanted a deposit we always had paperwork to cover ourselves. I should note here that I've never done business on craigslist. A reputable contractor shouldn't ask for money without some kind of paperwork. I might give a repeat contractor an advance, but that would be a situation where you've developed a trust with the guy. I would like to think that in a bigger metropolitan area than I'm in the contractor would be bonded.

Originally Posted by fan4ever (Post 9187423)

I had a friend here in AZ who got his checkbook stolen out of his car...guy ran around signing checks all over town...and then screwed up by accidentally signing his OWN NAME to one of the checks...police wouldn't do squat.

Originally Posted by Phobia (Post 9187427)

Yeah. All that. It's really not all that difficult to figure out if you're working with a scammer or not.

Originally Posted by Phobia (Post 9187043)

1. Don't do business on craigslist.
2. If you do business on craigslist, don't advance any money.
3. If you're on a site with one of the best deck builders in the metro, call him first.

Originally Posted by Lepht (Post 9198758)

OMG I have the exact same scenario with the guy!. He bid a fence project for me and I gave him a deposit. He hasn't made contact or returned calls for 3wks now. Maybe a combined effort can get some results. I've gone from bothered to pissed since I saw your post...which I found after i googled the guys phone number.

Originally Posted by synthesis2 (Post 9186973)

Make the situation quick, wanted my deck redecked and found a guy on craigslist that does it. His companies name is "brown can do" and he had been around for a long time and had done work for a family member several years ago. Anyway everything seemed legit.

With that said he came out to the house, he was a little rough dress wise but seemed to have his stuff together and at least talked the talk to make you feel better about it.

Said he would order the composite boards but needed a deposit for the materials ($2500)

I gave him the money and let me know a few days later than those boards were on backorder so I gave some other ideas and he has since not got back to me.

Here is the question ( I know I was a dumb ass for even giving him a deposit I get it) but I intentially didn't sign the check as my safety net and if he would have asked me about it I was going to tell him that as soon as I see an order I will sign it.

Needless to say he signed my check and cashed it and I have not hear from him since and its been a month.

Here is the question should I

1) Go to small claims court? he may not have a penny to piss in and would loose in a landslide

2) Go to my bank and tell them I didn't sign the check and see what happens from there?

Just curious which was would be better to go.

Originally Posted by Willie Lanier (Post 9187057)

ROFL

Really? How do you trust anyone in that particular sector of business? No disrespect to anyone in that industry, but if I'm doing anything on the house, I don't write a check before work is done...

Unless it's family...

Originally Posted by nstygma (Post 9198772)

this may be his residence