BidClerk.com (a consumer/professional construction job match site) matched me up with a scam/fraud artist that I had posted to build a small home around 700 sq. ft. They gave my home number to several contractors one of who was persistant. To shorten the story, I live on the GA side of the GA/AL state line. This fraudulent builder came to my house in GA and said he could build me this home for 50,000.00 which according to the plans, was reasonable, we signed contract, he presented license with company and references. I called Marvin’s Home improvement ctr who was reference and was to supply materials, they gave glowing reference as well as other ref. also I ran background, criminal and civil, both turned up negative for cases. I checked with his county of residence, still no court record. I hired him and within several weeks, he had made labor/material draws equaling 90% of contracted price for home. I phoned and emailed BIDCLERK several times when I became suspicious but they would never produce any information about him as he was an account holder. Although, they freely gave him my info. Turns out, he got locked up 3 weeks into the contract, he only completed 20% of project and had 90% of my money, 48,000.00 and I was out of a home and money. Turns out, he had NO license, NO Business, NO employees and alot of experience in this activity as he was already on probation for this with the state licensure board of AL. On probation for drugs, forgery and other charges, He had several Probation officers and was still free to do this to me. BidClerk.com will not take any responsibility even though they said my job was mislabled and is how he got my information. I did everything anyone could do in checking him out and even a business gave him reference and then turned against him later and withdrew from my project. He had no insurance either. I labeled all my checks to him what they were for but he didn’t have a bank account and cashed these large checks at my bank and used the cash for everything but materials. After he was locked up the last time, he just that day got 5,000 of my money and took it into court behind my back and they locked him up permanently that day. he had my check cashed and took 5,000.00 into Jail. 10 days later, I was filing claims with the State of AL and with authorities for fraud when the shell of the house burned to the ground in the middle of the night. He thought I’m sure would relieve him of responsibility since he didn’t think I could prove how much of home was completed. I had hired a home inspector he never met who took pictures just days before the fire which documented the house was only 20% and had major foundation problems.
In the end, I have no house, lost all my money, had to sell the land just to move from the nice apt into a low class apt building where I have been broken into 5 times by other tenants who were arrested and evicted. Every tenant in this building has stolen from me. It is not safe and is over 100 years old. I live on fixed income as I am disabled and this guy knew this as I was going to the Cancer center when he was doing this to me. He didn’t care at all and planned and frauded me with intent as he knew no one was around to stop him and I often did not feel well. I took him at his word. I have all documents. Even his fake license. They have locked him up. Could not prove arson although they know he had it done with my money, and I can’t sue him because he has his assets hid in families name. Cannot get, done spoke with 3 lawyers and it would cost thousands just to get it into court and I wouldn’t get anything in the end. Does anyone know of any resource, any entity or help I could possibly receive in community/state/government subsidized financially as I do not have any money now, live in a dump with criminals just like him, and have no hope of getting out of this mess. He just walked into my life, in weeks, destroyed it and legally walked off without so much as an apology. Seems BidClerk.com should carry responsibility but got flimsy half assed apology/excuse letter and that was that. Marvin’s Home Improvement Center also should be liable but again, they offered to testify for me but what good is that if I can’t take into court. If anyone knows of anyone who can help I would be eternally and bleed gratitude to you. I would die with the prayer for you in my mouth if you know of any way to help me out of this mess. Not well, I get sicker every day because I am so depressed and live in this environment. Had to sell most of everything I own just to survive. I was told to write to TV Home improvement shows but can’t find any and there’s nothing left to build on or fix. I have all documents and legal papers relating to this disaster and Blueprints and police and state reports. If anyone knows of anything or has suggestion, I would be so thankful to you.
Simply asking for knowledge of available resources for victims of Home Building Fraud. This case has been investigated by all state officials, State Attorney Generals office and Home Builders Licensure Board,
As was put to me, “this wasn’t his 1st rodeo” and criminals like this know more on how to cover themselves than honest people know on uncovering them.
I did all a consumer could have reasonably done with respect of checking. BidClerk.com took responsiblility in saying my job was “mislabled”, again, not my fault or to my knowledge. I question those who blame the victims as opposed to the criminals. Could make one wonder about their ethics if they believe any degree of trust in another human is “a mistake”. Reflection of their own moral compass.
Tags: Assistance, Building, From, Home, Home Improvement Tips, fraud by admin
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