[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Get real

Ridiculously, the check store can legally go after you for the $800. It make no logical sense.

I don't agree. Apparently, the check store cashed the check, and gave the money to the contractor. But, the bank refused to honor the check because the OP had a stop payment order on the check. So, if the original named payee on the check is the contractor, I don't think the check store has a valid claim against the OP. It's the check store's error in accepting a check from a dishonest payee and for not checking the stop payment order database. Cashing third party checks is a risky business.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by JMintzer

Why is that ridiculous?

They cashed a valid check. They have no idea if the guy provided the agreed upon services...

Actually, it's quite logical. They have no dog in that hunt...

Again, I disagree. The check is not valid because it was issued to the contractor under false pretenses, and it had a stop payment order on it. The check store does have a "dog in the hunt" because they charged the contractor a fee to cash a third party check and they didn't verify the stop payment order. Cashing third party checks is risky, which is why many people won't do it. When you cash checks, you should know who you are cashing them for. The check store could have also verified the check by contacting the OP. When I built a house, I often received calls from banks to verify that I had actually written a check to a construction worker.

[Petersweeney]

Giving a check to a stranger is like the worst thing you could do - your lucky he didn’t drain your account

[jimkerr]

Never ever give money to a contractor until the job is finished.

[DaleDivine]

One of the reasons why you should NEVER EVER EVER pay any money UNTIL the job is COMPLETE. If they want money up front, get a different contractor that will be paid after work is complete.

[Warren]

[QUOTE=DaleDivine;1968712]One of the reasons why you should NEVER EVER EVER pay any money UNTIL the job is COMPLETE. If they want money up front, get a different contractor that will be paid after work is complete.
[/

There is a local organization that is set up for scams against seniors. It is called: SENIORS VS. CRIME PROJECT. It is sponsored by the Florida Attorney General's Office.
Most of the volunteers are former police personnel. They have a Brownwood location. 2722 Brownwood Blvd., FL. Their telephone number is 352 753 0727. They have helped others in recovery of their money. They have the correct answers to all the speculation presented above. No disrespect to those who are trying to help, me included.

[raynan]

Thank you for warning us about Earthscape and John Andrews.

[KRMACK55]

Originally Posted by Misspeck

I was given a card from "EARTHSCAPE" Specializing in Landscaping Service and called to have some work done. I was given a reasonable estimate and the work was begun without any payment. A small amount of stone removal was accomplished and the remainder was left in piles all over the property. I was then asked for a check for 1/2 of cost to finish job ($800) which I submitted by check. I never heard from him again and I still have piles of rocks in my yard. There is no answer to the dozens of calls I have made to both phone numbers supplied. I put a stop on the check which he cashed at a Check Store and now THEY want me to give them the $800. I have since been told that this man goes around telling everyone how he is trying to start up his business and will do a great job because he wants to make a reputation for himself. His name is John Andrews and there is no such place as EARTHSCAPE that knows him so I recommend that everyone beware of falling for this. I plan to pursue this with the local police because anything over $500 is larceny and I think this guy should be stopped.

Good luck ! Not real smart at your age to pay for work not done in advance. Florida is the scam capital of the US, smh why so many people have had businesses worked their entire lives move here and then become naive again.

[Reese8899]

Originally Posted by Misspeck

I was given a card from "EARTHSCAPE" Specializing in Landscaping Service and called to have some work done. I was given a reasonable estimate and the work was begun without any payment. A small amount of stone removal was accomplished and the remainder was left in piles all over the property. I was then asked for a check for 1/2 of cost to finish job ($800) which I submitted by check. I never heard from him again and I still have piles of rocks in my yard. There is no answer to the dozens of calls I have made to both phone numbers supplied. I put a stop on the check which he cashed at a Check Store and now THEY want me to give them the $800. I have since been told that this man goes around telling everyone how he is trying to start up his business and will do a great job because he wants to make a reputation for himself. His name is John Andrews and there is no such place as EARTHSCAPE that knows him so I recommend that everyone beware of falling for this. I plan to pursue this with the local police because anything over $500 is larceny and I think this guy should be stopped.

Please report him to the county( no licenses), report him to the city( for no license) and report him to FLBIZ in Tallahassee. These types of crooks should go back to the States they come from.

[sborlove]

As long as we are letting everyone know not to use that Landscaper.....another one that doesn't stand up for their is Brother's Landscape. DO NOT USE. They do nice work at first but when there is a structural problem or not built correctly they do not fix it.

Remember to put Brother's Landscape on the DO NOT USE/CALL LIST.

[TNKYGAL]

Thanks for sharing your experience. It's scary to think about how many scams there are everywhere, but sounds like FL has more than their share! I'm thankful to all the TOTV folks who post recommendations AND warnings!

[Jacob85]

If you have the name and address of the landscaper you can go to seniors V Crime and open a case against them. This is a free service , a project of the attorney generals office and something you can do before going to small claims court. Call 352-689-4600 extension 4606.

[Spalumbos62]

Originally Posted by Petersweeney

Giving a check to a stranger is like the worst thing you could do - your lucky he didn’t drain your account

????????

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Again, I disagree. The check is not valid because it was issued to the contractor under false pretenses, and it had a stop payment order on it. The check store does have a "dog in the hunt" because they charged the contractor a fee to cash a third party check and they didn't verify the stop payment order. Cashing third party checks is risky, which is why many people won't do it. When you cash checks, you should know who you are cashing them for. The check store could have also verified the check by contacting the OP. When I built a house, I often received calls from banks to verify that I had actually written a check to a construction worker.

Seems to me that the stop payment order was made after the check was cashed at the "check casing place"...

[john352]

Originally Posted by Misspeck

I was given a card from "EARTHSCAPE" Specializing in Landscaping Service and called to have some work done. I was given a reasonable estimate and the work was begun without any payment. A small amount of stone removal was accomplished and the remainder was left in piles all over the property. I was then asked for a check for 1/2 of cost to finish job ($800) which I submitted by check. I never heard from him again and I still have piles of rocks in my yard. There is no answer to the dozens of calls I have made to both phone numbers supplied. I put a stop on the check which he cashed at a Check Store and now THEY want me to give them the $800. I have since been told that this man goes around telling everyone how he is trying to start up his business and will do a great job because he wants to make a reputation for himself. His name is John Andrews and there is no such place as EARTHSCAPE that knows him so I recommend that everyone beware of falling for this. I plan to pursue this with the local police because anything over $500 is larceny and I think this guy should be stopped.

Several years ago, a friend had a similar problem. She contacted Seniors Against Crime at their local office and they helped her resolve the problem, satisfactorily. At that time, she used the local office located near the intersection of 466 and Morse. You can Google "Seniors Against Crime" for more info. Or Phone: (352) 689-4600 ext. 4606