[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by ithos

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.

Thanks. I did read the link that you posted, but it really doesn't say that the sheriff is conducting an investigation, only that the victim contacted the sheriff. The Seniors vs Crime organization seems to me to be a more appropriate path to take since they are specifically guided and funded by the Florida Attorney General to investigate and prosecute contractors who commit fraud against seniors. I don't see a problem with asking the police to prepare a report that can support a prosecution if this is repeat offender. But, I would hesitate to tell the police that someone has committed a crime unless I had substantial evidence to support it. My only recommendation is to not pay for work in advance which will prevent becoming a victim of fraudulant contractors in the first place.

[ithos]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Thanks. I did read the link that you posted, but it really doesn't say that the sheriff is conducting an investigation, only that the victim contacted the sheriff. The Seniors vs Crime organization seems to me to be a more appropriate path to take since they are specifically guided and funded by the Florida Attorney General to investigate and prosecute contractors who commit fraud against seniors. I don't see a problem with asking the police to prepare a report that can support a prosecution if this is repeat offender. But, I would hesitate to tell the police that someone has committed a crime unless I had substantial evidence to support it. My only recommendation is to not pay for work in advance which will prevent becoming a victim of fraudulant contractors in the first place.

I agree that you shouldn't put down a downpayment unless it is under contract with a well established local company like Mike Scott Plumbing.

But if you do put down a substantial down payment and then never hear back from the contractor(or thief) then that is a pretty good indicator that a crime has been committed especially if they never return your calls. The law enforcment agency is the one that will decide if an investigation is warranted but someone has to report the crime first.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by ithos

I agree that you shouldn't put down a downpayment unless it is under contract with a well established local company like Mike Scott Plumbing.

But if you do put down a substantial down payment and then never hear back from the contractor(or thief) then that is a pretty good indicator that a crime has been committed especially if they never return your calls. The law enforcment agency is the one that will decide if an investigation is warranted but someone has to report the crime first.

I agree. The county sheriff's office is a law enforcement agency, but so is the Florida Attorney General, who runs the Seniors vs Crime offices. The last time I checked, the attorney general receives about $40 million per year in state funds to operate the Seniors vs Crime program to investigate and prosecute fraudulant contractors and other companies. Although, I must admit that I am not impressed with the success of either the sheriffs or the attorney general at prosecuting fraud. They have a file about 12 inches thick on a landscaper who has been operating in The Villages for at least 15 years and I think he is still in business.

[ithos]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I agree. The county sheriff's office is a law enforcement agency, but so is the Florida Attorney General, who runs the Seniors vs Crime offices. The last time I checked, the attorney general receives about $40 million per year in state funds to operate the Seniors vs Crime program to investigate and prosecute fraudulant contractors and other companies. Although, I must admit that I am not impressed with the success of either the sheriffs or the attorney general at prosecuting fraud. They have a file about 12 inches thick on a landscaper who has been operating in The Villages for at least 15 years and I think he is still in business.

This is why your cynicism is probably justified:
https://cms9files1.revize.com/sumter...(03-03-20).pdf
Steps To Follow Before Filing
A Police Report
In order to prove theft by abandonment
you, the victim, must comply with Florida
State Statute: 489.126
Step 1: Wait 60 days from contract date
or date contractor last performed any
work at site.
Step 2: Mail a Certified Letter to the
contractor to the address listed on the
contract. If there is no address, mail to
address listed on building permit, if any .
Step 3: Wait an additional 30 days after
sending letter contractor.
Step 4: If after 90 days, the contractor
has failed to perform any work on site, file
a Police Report with the Sumter County
Sheriff’s Office.

[Lottoguy]

The positive review could be fake. It’s common to build up your business.

[Fenster]

Local law enforcement has Crimes Against Seniors units. I would stop by (make an appointment) and talk to them.

These criminals are low lifes.

Good luck.

[TopCujo]

Originally Posted by 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.

What does the guy do? What was he going to do specifically for $1200?

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by TopCujo

What does the guy do? What was he going to do specifically for $1200?

According to the forum catagory, he repairs screens.