I hired this guy to remove some trees around my house last month. He sent me a certificate of insurance from his insurance company. He was also very polite and very professional, which made me decide to hire him. So, I signed a contract, which stated that I needed to put down 50% downpayment for the job. Everything looked fine at that time so I gave him a $1750 check for the downpayment. However, it has been a month now and he never showed up and he already cashed out the check. He did not return my calls nor e-mails. I then did a background check on him and found out that he had 6 civil lawsuits against him in the past 2 years.
His insurance company is legit, but I am not sure his business nor his address is. I then reported him to the local police but they said that I need to call the Attorney General office.
My questions are:
1) Is what he did considered theft or scam? Is not scam/fraud a crime that the police should investigate?
2) Should I take him to the small claims court? I am not sure his address is legit
3) Can I get something from his insurance company?
4) What is the best way to stop this person from doing this to other people and get some of my money back if possible?
His insurance company is legit, but I am not sure his business nor his address is. I then reported him to the local police but they said that I need to call the Attorney General office.
My questions are:
1) Is what he did considered theft or scam? Is not scam/fraud a crime that the police should investigate?
2) Should I take him to the small claims court? I am not sure his address is legit
3) Can I get something from his insurance company?
4) What is the best way to stop this person from doing this to other people and get some of my money back if possible?