contractor scam

[dalbert]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state?Pennsylvania
Contractor took $2,300 deposit & left area w/o doing any work. Discovered that that he has a $69,000 lien against a customer in this area. Can I file a lien against his lien? What is best course of action against a scam artist who takes money & commits fraud by failing to perform work as promised?

 

[HomeGuru]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state?Pennsylvania
Contractor took $2,300 deposit & left area w/o doing any work. Discovered that that he has a $69,000 lien against a customer in this area. Can I file a lien against his lien? What is best course of action against a scam artist who takes money & commits fraud by failing to perform work as promised?

**A: contact your state consumer protection office. The same office that you should have called before doing biz with him.

 

[JETX]

Contractor took $2,300 deposit & left area w/o doing any work. Discovered that that he has a $69,000 lien against a customer in this area. Can I file a lien against his lien?

Yes..... and no.
You have no inherent 'lien rights' to file any lien. However, you could file a lawsuit against the contractor, and if you get a judgment, you could place a judgment lien against him. Further, you could request a 'turnover order' from the court instructing your judgment be paid upon recovery of the other lien.

What is best course of action against a scam artist who takes money & commits fraud by failing to perform work as promised?

Lots of things could have helped to protect you and others. Things like:
- How long has the contractor been in business??... and verify the answer!!
- Is the contractor phone and address listed in the phone book?
- Is he licensed (where required)? VERIFY!!
- Does he have insurance?? Get a copy of his policy!
- Is he bonded?? Get a copy!!
- Get at least three referrals and call them!!

 

[lwpat]

Does he have insurance?? Get a copy of his policy!

Have the policy issued to you and have yourself added as an additional insured with notice if policy is cancelled.

Is he bonded?? Get a copy!!

Most bonds have to be issued for a specific project. I have seen contractors who advertised that they are licensed and bonded and can even produce the authentic fake documentation.

Most importantly have a written contract that has been reviewed by your attorney.