Fraud, what to do next? (Olathe, Protection: attorney, buy, construction)

[UtahGuy]

Hi, hopefully someone here can help me out. I recently moved to Kansas and hired Royal Fence and Construction in Olathe, to build a fence around my backyard. I signed a contract and sent the deposit (on 12/31/07) so he could buy the supplies and begin the day I arrived (1/07/08). He cashed the check and when he was supposed to begin the bad weather started, I called to check in with him and he told me he had been delayed due to weather, but I was next in line. It is now the 25th of January and he has not shown up, wont answer my e-mails or phone calls and has over $2K of my money, what do I do next? Do I call the cops, the city, a lawyer???? Someone please tell me what to do next!

Thanks,

Robert

[Lindsey_Mcfarren]

I believe in personal visits, preferably when there are alot of other people in the office.

Take a copy of the canceled check.

[dunkhouse]

I don't live in Kansas, but I know in my state, a simple call or e-mail to the Attorney General starts the ball rolling. Once they are involved, things settle up quickly. I would, however, make a personal visit to the contractor's office first if possible. If you are still in Utah, I would send a registered letter or a Fedex with signature required. Then keep the proof of delivery as evidence of your effort to resolve the matter. Showing that an effort was made to resolve the issue first, without going directly to court, is always good. Remember, there could be a very good explanation here and you should give him every chance to respond.

[TinaMcG]

Tell him if you don't hear back from him, you'll report him to the KS Attorney General's office, the Better Business bureau and one of those problem solvers from the local news media. Did you sign a contract with him? Did you check him out with the BBB before you hired him? Did you get references and check them out? Good luck to you, I know what it feels like to get taken by unscrupulous contractors, but I've learned to hold their feet to the fire before I give them any money.



Tina McG, Olathe

[lyma17]

Originally Posted by UtahGuy

Hi, hopefully someone here can help me out. I recently moved to Kansas and hired Royal Fence and Construction in Olathe, to build a fence around my backyard. I signed a contract and sent the deposit (on 12/31/07) so he could buy the supplies and begin the day I arrived (1/07/08). He cashed the check and when he was supposed to begin the bad weather started, I called to check in with him and he told me he had been delayed due to weather, but I was next in line. It is now the 25th of January and he has not shown up, wont answer my e-mails or phone calls and has over $2K of my money, what do I do next? Do I call the cops, the city, a lawyer???? Someone please tell me what to do next!

Thanks,

Robert

Another option - Check your local Kansasa CIty TV stations - most have a "problem solver" type person who will help you get these type of problems resolved. Most businesses take care of the problems rather than get bad PR on the news. Good luck!!!

[mkfarnam]

File a complaint with the FTCBCP, "Federal Trade Commission"."Bureau of Consumer Protection".
It can be done online.
https://rn.ftc.gov/pls/dod/wsolcq$.s..._ORG_CODE=PU01

[Predaking]

You Can go to the local city Office and file A small claims suit for like 50 bucks against him and if he doesn't show up for court then he is fined and ruled against and the state then garnishes him for you. If he does he has to argue the case and as stated above he loses there also so thats the easiest way. Takes a little time but proves your point and doesn't drag out forever. The other routes tend to take time and are quite annoying. Much easier to go present your case to a judge and get your money back. you can check with your bank and see if you can do something about the check itself through them and against his banking institute.

Hope this Helps

[HDDUDE1992]

Yep, I am now a victim. He took my deposit, sank some poles and has never come back. I am getting ready to deploy in May with the Army in support of Enduring Freedom so i am sweating bullets!

I have filed with BBB and plan on doing more as I can.

we all need to get together and put this guy out of buisness so others are not scammed.

[HDDUDE1992]

Thank you I just went to that site and filed a complaint.

[cleanpeoples]

You should call the FBI