The Nightmare After the Fire
For George Silvers, losing part of his home to fire was just the beginning of his troubles. Just before Christmas, he hired a contractor to rebuild his closet shelving, a man recommended by neighbors. The contractor, Mark Tarnauceanu, came out, gave an estimate, and requested an upfront payment of $1,037. With a handshake, the deal was done. But soon after cashing the check, Tarnauceanu disappeared—taking George’s money and a portion of his closet shelving with him.
Sadly, George’s experience is not unique. Other homeowners, including Yvonne Nichols, have shared eerily similar stories of being duped. Nichols paid Tarnauceanu $312 to modify her cabinet doors, only for him to vanish with them, never completing the job. Investigations uncovered at least four more alleged victims who fell into the same trap: trusting a contractor who seemed professional but operated like a seasoned con artist.
A Pattern of Deception
Tarnauceanu's methods were consistent—he’d win over customers with charm, promises, and polished brochures. He would then collect deposits, sometimes even remove cabinetry or shelving under the guise of repairs, only to disappear without fulfilling his commitments. His actions raised a crucial question: At what point does fraud cross from being a civil dispute into criminal theft?
James Moore, a former advocate of Tarnauceanu's work, later issued warnings about him. “As far as I can tell, he is a con artist,” Moore admitted after multiple reports of incomplete projects surfaced. The homeowners saw their cases as outright theft, but the legal system often categorizes such situations as business disputes, forcing victims into lengthy and costly civil litigation.
Chasing Justice
Frustrated by law enforcement’s slow response, George, Yvonne, and TrustDALE’s investigative team decided to confront Tarnauceanu. When Dale Cardwell and producer Marnie arrived at his workshop, they found Yvonne's missing cabinet doors—but no sign of Tarnauceanu. When they later caught up with him, he denied the allegations, dismissing them as mere opinions.
However, police took a different stance. With mounting complaints, an arrest warrant was imminent. Suddenly, Tarnauceanu changed his tune, repaying George’s money—but not, it seems, from his own funds. Despite his claim that he was “done” with business, TrustDALE’s investigation revealed that Tarnauceanu had moved operations to Texas, registering a new LLC with a family member—who reportedly had no knowledge of his activities in Georgia until the story broke online.
How to Protect Yourself from Contractor Scams
Cases like George’s and Yvonne's highlight the importance of due diligence before hiring a contractor. Here are steps to safeguard your investment:
- Verify Credentials – Check licenses, insurance, and business registration before signing any contracts.
- Never Pay Large Sums Upfront – A reasonable deposit is normal, but excessive upfront payments are a red flag.
- Get Everything in Writing – Ensure the contract clearly outlines the scope of work, timeline, and payment schedule.
- Check Reviews & References – Look for consistent feedback from past clients and verify recommendations from neighbors.
- Be Wary of High-Pressure Tactics – Scammers often rush victims into quick decisions to secure payment before doubts arise.
If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a contractor scam, report it to local consumer protection agencies and law enforcement. Legal action can be slow, but shining a light on fraudulent businesses can help prevent future victims.
For trusted contractors who have been thoroughly vetted, visit TrustDALE.com. Don’t let smooth talkers and a friendly handshake determine who gets your hard-earned money—let research and reliable consumer advocacy guide your choice.
