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Originally Posted by retiredguy123
You are making a lot of assumptions. I didn't say I would forget about it. First of all, the OP didn't say he doesn't have a license. Some handymen don't even need a Florida business license to perform certain small projects. There is no evidence that he stole the money, and there is no evidence that the OP qualifies as elderly under the statute. I think you need to be over 65. The OP gave him the money as a deposit for future work, and we don't know when the project was required to be completed. But as a practical matter, local police officers are not resourced or funded to investigate this type of crime, if it even is a crime. I would not want the police to arrest someone unless I was absolutely certain that he committed a crime. I may report this contractor to Seniors vs Crime who are funded to assist the attorney general for this type of crime.
The best way to deal with contractors is to not pay them money in advance, and, if you do, use a credit card. Any contractor who cannot start a screen repair project without being paid $600 cash in advance, should not be hired. Asking for an upfront payment on a small project like this is a huge red flag that it is a scam.
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Before money is exchanged, a contract should be signed which protects both parties.
Just curious, but did you check the link that I posted? According to another victim there already is an investigation in progress.
A month ago Travis took our deposit and never came to do the work. He provided a couple of excuses at first and then just disappeared. We contacted the Sumter County Sheriff’s Department and are beginning the process to hold Travis accountable for his theft. We do not want anyone else to fall victim to his crimes and are posting this review to help prevent others from being victim to his business practices. Additionally we are hoping any and all other individuals that have been victims to Travis’s fraudulent business practices to reach out to us. If we all work together we can all press charges, prosecute, and testify at his future court hearing to ensure that he has his convictions stacked to aid in a long and lengthy jail or prison sentence. If you have been a victim of Travis Edwards please contact us so we can work together to put this thief behind bars. We are taking this matter as a personal endeavor to have this man arrested, prosecuted, and sentenced to the maximum extent of the law. We are able and willing to attend any other persons court hearings to testify and provide evidence to help support their charges against him. Please feel free to reach out and contact us. Let’s form a victims alliance to put this man in jail where he belongs. Florida has tough laws against fraudulent contractors. Let’s make sure he is held accountable and receives the maximum sentence guidelines. We will be posting his name and business information on all available social media sites to ensure no one else is a victim of his thefts.
My point is that if at all possible this thief should be punished and that will not happen if he isn't reported. And a thief doesn't only steal once. And thankfully this person didn't take the path that you recommended.