[NavyBoy]

Travis edwards too our deposit on a $1200 job of $600, stole our funds and never did the work. Travis edwards is a crook and scammer. Beware.

[Topspinmo]

All state I lived in I never had to put deposits down on contractors job (but, I never lived in NE or west?). Seems to be normal here in Florida. Guess why there so many crooks in this state? Or this state just magnet for them?

[retiredguy123]

I would never give a contractor a deposit for any work. This has been said many times on this website. I'm sorry you lost your money, but a contractor who asks for a deposit is often a scammer.

[Smalley]

Thanks for sharing and maybe saving another villager from also getting robbed.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

have often given deposits to contractors up here in New England. Never had a problem.

the issue is that FL operates like a third world country, especially with high labor, low material content jobs

be thankful its only a small amount of money, and that you have learned through experience. .

good luck

[Whatnext]

Have you informed the police?

[jimhoward]

I found 2 prior reviews on this forum for that contractor. One said he did a great job, the other said he took a deposit and still hadn't done the promised work after 2 months. No way of knowing from the review if he eventually did the job he was late on.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by jimhoward

I found 2 prior reviews on this forum for that contractor. One said he did a great job, the other said he took a deposit and still hadn't done the promised work after 2 months. No way of knowing from the review if he eventually did the job he was late on.

Reviews can be made up or in this case a review. But with 50% it come off like good reviews on web.

[villagetinker]

I have used Todds and A+Screens for repairs to our bird cage, and in both cases payment was due at the completion of work. Both companies did very good work.

[Risuli]

Originally Posted by CoachKandSportsguy

have often given deposits to contractors up here in New England. Never had a problem.

the issue is that FL operates like a third world country, especially with high labor, low material content jobs

"The Free State of Florida!!!!"

[Kelevision]

Originally Posted by Topspinmo

All state I lived in I never had to put deposits down on contractors job (but, I never lived in NE or west?). Seems to be normal here in Florida. Guess why there so many crooks in this state? Or this state just magnet for them?

I was born and raised here in Florida and have never given anyone money upfront. It’s a Villages rip off thing. Not a florida thing.

[dtrelly]

Originally Posted by jimhoward

I found 2 prior reviews on this forum for that contractor. One said he did a great job, the other said he took a deposit and still hadn't done the promised work after 2 months. No way of knowing from the review if he eventually did the job he was late on.

Lots of scammed contractors will leave good reviews of themselves, better to DM a reviewer and ask to see the actual work the contractor did.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by dtrelly

Lots of scammed contractors will leave good reviews of themselves, better to DM a reviewer and ask to see the actual work the contractor did.

I will add that I take a negative view of any company who posts hundreds or thousands of 5-star Google reviews on their website. I consider this to be deceptive advertising. Apparently, fake Google reviews are readily available for sale.

[FastAndCurious]

I am sorry that this has happened to you. EVERY time I have given money to a contractor up front I have regretted it.
They may end up doing the work, but the attitude changes because they have you over a barrel.

I have a plan that helps me weed them out.
When they ask for money up front, it is usually because they say they need money for materials.
My answer: "I will give you a check for the full amount of materials they day they arrive when you show me the invoice."
"When the job is completed and I am satisfied, I will pay in full for labor costs."
When they say "I can't do that". I reply: "If you don't have enough money to buy materials for this job (and get a check the same day) then you are not really in business!"
It sends the scammers packing every time!
Good luck.

[ByebyeMichigan]

The problem is , that’s probably not even his real name ……..