That is a good plan, but my plan is easier. I don't pay for anything in advance, except, in some cases, will pay for "custom" materials. But, when I pay for custom materials, I use a credit card, even if the contractor charges a credit card fee. Any contractor who will not accept a credit card will not get any work from me. If you pay for the materials and the contractor doesn't do the work or does it incorrectly, you will lose the money you paid for the materials.

Apparently you are not the only one:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/6230...3067133102639/

If he is a licensed contractor then you have more leverage than if he is just a handyman. Only provide payment in advance if the company has a license.
What Is Construction Lien and How They Protect Contractors? | Southron Firm

If he does have a license then you can file a complaint:
File a Complaint – MyFloridaLicense.com

And if it is worth your time file a police report and take him to small claims.

I don't agree with paying in advance just because a contractor has a license. Yes, you can file a complaint, but that won't get your money back. Also calling the police or going to small claims court will not get your money back.

No money upfront
 

I’m sorry for you had this experience, but the answer is if the company doesn’t have the resources to operate without providing them with money upfront then they are not worth dealing with for the job. I will only pay on completion of the job. The internet reviews can be place by the company itself or their friends, family members or anyone. They can’t be believed. You can ask for the names of several different people that they have completely work on and go and speak to them. But even after speaking to these individuals my RULE is NO MONEY UPFRONT PERIOD!

Well, can you at least give us a clue as to what company he represents. What kind of work were you going to have done. What was the name of the company?

Thank you.. good to know

very good point!

Had a contractor do the same to us once. We waited till after April 15 and called saying we would report him to the IRS (knowing he would not have reported our money as earned income). He sent us a check immediately. We also tried Seniors Against Crime and the local PD. No help there.

When I had my business, I required a deposit on custom made products. If a contractor doesn’t have the financial resources to purchase standard materials, run! Also, if the supplier delivers materials to your home, go to the office supply store and obtain a waiver of lien affidavit and have the contractor sign it before paying, otherwise, the supplier can legally put a lien on your home and take you to court where you’ll have to pay for the materials again.

Some posters have suggested that you call the police. If you voluntarily give a contractor a deposit to perform work, and they don't do it, they owe you a refund of the deposit. This may be fraud, but it is not a crime for which the local police will or can make an arrest.

To clarify, the name of the organization is "Seniors vs Crime" not "Seniors Against Crime".

Deposit Scam
 

I would stop at the Police Station and provide information to Seniors Against Crime. That way it is on record if another senior checks there.

Let me get this straight. Someone steals $600 and you are just going to forget about it? Do you really think that this is the only time he will ever rip off people?
At a minimum he has committed a misdemeanor:
Contracting Without a License – Florida Statutes § 489.127
If the contractor is unlicensed, accepting payment and failing to perform the work can result in:
Misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the circumstances.
Felony of the third degree if the unlicensed contractor takes a down payment and does not perform the work.
������ Construction Fraud – Florida Statutes § 812.014 (Theft)
This law applies to licensed or unlicensed contractors:
If a contractor knowingly obtains money from a homeowner under false pretenses (e.g., promising to do work they never intend to do), it may be considered:
Theft by deception or contractor fraud.
Penalties depend on the amount taken:
Less than $750 = Misdemeanor
$750 or more = Felony

������ Misapplication of Construction Funds – Florida Statutes § 713.345
This statute covers situations where a contractor receives funds specifically for a project and uses the money for other purposes.
Misappropriating construction funds is a felony if more than $100 is misused.

I agree you many not get your money back but I believe the local authorities will take it serious if it is a repeat offense.

Now consider this!
������ Florida Statutes § 825.103 – Exploitation of an Elderly Person or Disabled Adult
If a contractor knowingly exploits a senior by deceiving them out of money or property, it can be charged as:

Small amounts can qualify for third-degree felony charges if the intent to exploit is clear.
Felony of the second degree (up to 15 years in prison) if the value is $10,000 or more.
Felony of the first degree (up to 30 years in prison) if the value is $50,000 or more.

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.

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.