I know I am probably screwed but need advice
 

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.

Go to the police first, he has committed forgery. Then take the police report to the bank and see what options you have. Unfortunately, I don't think the bank can do anything for you.

You're not screwed. You're ****ed.

This.

Did he actually try to duplicate your signature, or just write something in?

Wow, $2500 before he even did a lick of work. Who does that?
Posted via Mobile Device

Yeah, forgery.

Antifreeze.

This....and if you're in the KC area and he happened to cross state lines then it can be a federal offense....

You should be able to get a copy of the check from your bank which will clearly show the non-matching signatures.

Part that scumbag out. Organs are gettin some major bank on E-bay.

Should be easy to prove fraud.

^

Do it now.

:popcorn:

Yep, don't waste time.

Use a particular set of skills to track the guy down and kill him. Or go to the police.

Go buy a framing hammer with your last 20 dollars and smack yourself in the head with it.

FAX