skip to main content

Consumer Fraud Victim Update

16 years ago

Hi all,

I didn't want to post until i had some news. I can finally report that the cabinet maker who ran of with our deposit was arrested. He was charged with Home Repair Fraud , a class 4 felony. The hearing is on monday - wish me luck!!!!!! Thanks to the legal eagles on this website who explained the difference between a criminal case (never started the work) and a civil case(left the work unfinished). It was because of that distinction that the police acted on my behalf. (!!) Hopefully the judge will still consider it the former. If i understand it correctly, they can dismiss the charges on monday, or they can decide if it is worth going to trial. Whatever happens, we are hoping that the judge will, at some point in the process, demand restitution. Thanks in advance for all of your support through what may be a lengthy process.

LC

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (12)

igloochic
16 years ago
Woo Hoo! IF nothing else...you will see that no one else suffers what you did, which someone should thank you for! Best of luck, and thanks for the follow through! People like you need to be thanked more often for the hell you go through to stop another person from suffering!
MariposaTraicionera
16 years ago
OMG! What great news. Hope that things go your way. I agree with Igloochic, no one should have to go through this. Good luck.

Mari
Related Discussions
Karma at work - update of Joann's dog attack
Q
Comments (4)
That is good! Poor baby suffered with it's leg. I hope karma does even more. I shouldn't hope bad things on peole, but maybe they'll reap what they've sown. It'd be even better if they were banned from having any living being on their land. NOTHING.
...See More
Credit card fraud
Q
Comments (7)
First of all, calling accomplishes nothing. You need to write a letter to the card company stating that you have not opened the account and that you believe this is a case of fraud. The credit agencies are Experian, Transunion, and Equifax. You are eligible to request your credit report for free ONCE a year for EACH agency. You should do so immediately for all three agencies. Creditors do not always report to all three agencies so your credit record may differ slightly from each one. If you don't think you are going to open new credit - anything from a home equity line to a credit card to a new car - then freeze your credit records at all three agencies. There is a modest charge to do so. There is also a charge and a time delay in 'unfreezing' it, should you someday apply for any credit or need a credit check (such as opening a bank account or even renting an apartment). Do NOT go to any site but the one linked below. This is the only website set up to provide a truly free credit report from any of the three credit agencies. All others try to snooker you into signing up for credit monitoring, which they'll charge you for every month. Here is a link that might be useful: Annual credit report request website
...See More
Update on wallet thief
Q
Comments (10)
I'm so sorry you are going through this. I know how you feel, too, as I had my purse stolen from my car last year. It was unlocked because we were standing 50 yards away and I just never thought anything like that would happen. Learned my lesson. The thief drove straight to my bank and wrote a check on my account. We were fortunate that I went back to the van to look for something and noticed my purse missing pretty much right away. We made a police report and called our bank to freeze our account...I wasn't carrying any credit cards. The loser also grabbed my makeup bag with all my makeup so I had to run around town the next day taking care of everything without my "face" on until I could replace it. Just added insult to injury for me. I also discovered they had used some minutes on my calling card so I called people just to use up the rest of it. Luckily I had that number memorized. Overall my loss wasn't great but it's the hassle and the violation that really got to me. I just hated the idea that someone had my things...my purse that was a gift, my makeup, my driver's license, etc. It sounds like you're doing all the right things to protect yourself...hang in there!
...See More
RE: Thursday Update
Q
Comments (71)
I, too, think FMW has made too many mistakes to make her story credible. Don't get me wrong, I loved the story at first and eagerly anticipated the next update. But, as a critical thinker, the holes in her story got to be too much for me; many of those holes have been listed in this and other threads. I love a good yarn, but when it's posted as truth it's not fair to us, the readers. Perhaps the story is true; in fact, I hope it is, as I love fairy tales. But if FMW doesn't return to clarify her points or at least continue with the story, well, then I have to believe that she posted a great hoax. She is not trying to con anyone out of anything. I certainly hope not! But she did get an awful lot of offers of clothes and toys, in addition to all those good wishes. I would love to know the real story here - truth, fiction, great hoax, whatever it is.
...See More
acoreana
16 years ago
Good luck!!! Hope you get your money back, and that the local news get his name/face out there so he can't do it to anyone else anytime soon!
rgillman
16 years ago
Wonderful news! Give 'em hell! I would be shocked if these charges were dismissed. Keep us posted.
lacuisine
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks, friends. And let me just remind those of you who are new to this story, you CAN avoid this, if you always pay by credit card. I will never write a check for that amount of money again.
thanks,
LC
gizmonike
16 years ago
Or, write a check AFTER the work is done to your satisfaction.

Good luck with the hearing.
cspinto
16 years ago
He was caught, what a relief! Good luck at the hearing on Monday and please, keep us posted. It's awful that you have to go through this but think of how many people you're saving from the same fate. Thanks!
mahatmacat1
16 years ago
I LOVE this site :) Best of luck with bringing this guy down and getting your money back (maybe some damages too if possible).
MariposaTraicionera
16 years ago
The problem is though that some cabinet makers (mine for example) only accept cash or cheque! We paid part down when we ordered the cabs, another portion upon installation, and final payment was given once he corrected some mistakes, and redid a few doors and drawers. Did you pay everything up front?
lacuisine
Original Author
16 years ago
no. 50 percent. And, by the way, my court date was postponed - you'll all hear from me in early december;
thanks
LC
sue_ct
16 years ago
If you go with a private contractor, none in this area accept credit cards for materials or labor. If you with a free standing kitchen design store or a large chain store then you can use credit cards.

Sue
mommycentral
16 years ago
What has happened from your last post? I live in Miami and gave a contractor over $5000 in August to redo my kitchen and he has performed no work at all. I wish u the best of luck.

Related Stories

SELLING YOUR HOUSE Kitchen Ideas: 8 Ways to Prep for Resale

Some key updates to your kitchen will help you sell your house. Here’s what you need to know

DECORATING GUIDES California Law: License to Practice Interior Design?

A proposed bill that would require a license to practice interior design in California has Houzzers talking. Where do you stand?

LIFE 7 Tips to Get With a New Minimalist Mentality

By Alison Hodgson

Feeling overwhelmed by your stuff? Here's how to pare down, simplify and keep just what you need and love at home

REMODELING GUIDES Bathroom Workbook: How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost?

By Mitchell Parker

Learn what features to expect for $3,000 to $100,000-plus, to help you plan your bathroom remodel

BUDGETING YOUR PROJECT Construction Contracts: What Are General Conditions?

By Ventana Construction LLC

Here’s what you should know about these behind-the-scenes costs and why your contractor bills for them

MOST POPULAR How to Create an Inventory, Whether You're Naturally Organized or Not

By Alison Hodgson

Documenting your home items is essential, even if disaster seems unimaginable. And it may be easier than you think

LIFE 7 Things to Do Before You Move Into a New House

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Get life in a new house off to a great start with fresh paint and switch plates, new locks, a deep cleaning — and something on those windows

MOST POPULAR 10 Things to Ask Your Contractor Before You Start Your Project

By Ventana Construction LLC

Ask these questions before signing with a contractor for better communication and fewer surprises along the way

DISASTER PREP & RECOVERY How to Prep for Disaster Insurance Claims

Tools and tips for making an inventory list, documenting damage to your home, and working with your adjuster

FENCES AND GATES How to Choose the Right Fence

By Laura Gaskill

Get the privacy, security and animal safeguards you need with this guide to fencing options

Sponsored

More Discussions

Recommendations to reduce risk of Dekton / sintered stone chipping

8

contractor chooses kitchen

33

Faucet help! Rohl Pirellone spray

0

Shiloh vs. Showplace Cabinets....which do you recommend?

5

help with counter/backsplash decision

2